Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 31, 2026What This Page Covers:
- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~98%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22
- Middle 50% SAT: 1050
- Average GPA: 3.15
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Meridian Scholarship & SIUE Commitment)
Average Net Price
$13,696/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$2,000–$4,000/yr
No separate application.
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 15 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Meridian Scholarship & SIUE Commitment
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
none
SIUE fits right alongside schools like WIU and EIU in terms of affordability—but with a slightly stronger academic profile and a more suburban/metro location near St. Louis. The biggest advantage is the “in-state for all” pricing combined with automatic GPA-based merit, which makes it easy to estimate cost early and keeps it competitive for both in-state and out-of-state students.
What separates SIUE is the upside at the top. The Meridian Scholarship is a true full ride, and the Honors Program adds another layer of opportunity for high-achieving students. For most applicants in the 3.0–3.8 range, it’s a reliable low-cost option—but for top students, it can quietly become one of the best-value full-ride opportunities in the Midwest. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1050.
Average net price? About $13,696/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in none.
Sources:
SIUE scholarships page: https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
John Martinson Honors Program: https://www.siue.edu/honors/
Study Abroad Office: https://www.siue.edu/study-abroad/
URCA program page: https://www.siue.edu/urca/
SIUE financial aid site: https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
SIUE scholarships page: https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
John Martinson Honors Program: https://www.siue.edu/honors/
Study Abroad Office: https://www.siue.edu/study-abroad/
URCA program page: https://www.siue.edu/urca/
SIUE financial aid site: https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $13,299 | $13,299 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $11,231 | $11,231 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $24,530 | $24,530 |
Average Federal Net Price: $13,696 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Out-of-State Students Pay In-State Rates: SIUE charges the same tuition to students from all 50 U.S. states. No special reciprocity paperwork is required.
Example: A Missouri student pays the same $13,299 in tuition & fees as an Illinois resident.
Cost FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state tuition? All U.S. citizens and permanent residents — SIUE does not charge higher tuition for out-of-state students.
How much can families really expect to pay? The federal average net price is $13,696, but families with higher income may pay closer to the full sticker price.
Is the health insurance required? It’s automatically billed but can be waived if your student already has coverage.
Sources:
University COA page (notes & health insurance): https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/cost/cost-of-attendance.shtml
Paying for College brochure: https://www.siue.edu/paying-for-college/_assets/pdf/2025-26-paying-for-college.pdf
Meal plan rates: https://www.siue.edu/housing/application-costs-forms/meal-plans.shtml
Housing rates: https://www.siue.edu/housing/application-costs-forms/costs.shtml
In-state rate for all 50 states: https://www.siue.edu/paying-for-college/ • https://www.siue.edu/admissions/missouri/
Student health insurance (waiver & dates): https://www.siue.edu/counseling-health/insurance/domestic-students-fall-2025.shtml
College Scorecard (Average Annual Cost): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?149231-Southern-Illinois-University-Edwardsville=
University COA page (notes & health insurance): https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/cost/cost-of-attendance.shtml
Paying for College brochure: https://www.siue.edu/paying-for-college/_assets/pdf/2025-26-paying-for-college.pdf
Meal plan rates: https://www.siue.edu/housing/application-costs-forms/meal-plans.shtml
Housing rates: https://www.siue.edu/housing/application-costs-forms/costs.shtml
In-state rate for all 50 states: https://www.siue.edu/paying-for-college/ • https://www.siue.edu/admissions/missouri/
Student health insurance (waiver & dates): https://www.siue.edu/counseling-health/insurance/domestic-students-fall-2025.shtml
College Scorecard (Average Annual Cost): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?149231-Southern-Illinois-University-Edwardsville=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
SIUE automatically reviews every freshman application for merit awards. These scholarships are based mainly on high school GPA and are offered at the time of admission—no extra forms required.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cougar Pride Scholarship — Tier 1 | $2,000/yr | Freshmen with 3.00–3.24 GPA | No | Yes — must keep 2.90 GPA & 12+ credits/semester | Students in the 3.00–3.24 GPA range | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Cougar Pride Scholarship — Tier 2 | $2,500/yr | Freshmen with 3.25–3.49 GPA | No | Yes — must keep 2.90 GPA & 12+ credits/semester | Students in the 3.25–3.49 GPA range | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Cougar Pride Scholarship — Tier 3 | $3,000/yr | Freshmen with 3.50–3.74 GPA | No | Yes — must keep 2.90 GPA & 12+ credits/semester | Students in the 3.50–3.74 GPA range | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Cougar Pride Scholarship — Tier 4 | $3,500/yr | Freshmen with 3.75–3.99 GPA | No | Yes — must keep 2.90 GPA & 12+ credits/semester | Students in the 3.75–3.99 GPA range | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Cougar Pride Scholarship — Tier 5 | $4,000/yr | Freshmen with 4.00 GPA | No | Yes — must keep 2.90 GPA & 12+ credits/semester | Students earning a perfect 4.0 GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Johnetta Haley Scholarship | $2,000/yr (up to $8,000 over 4 yrs) |
First-year admits with 3.0+ GPA; supports diversity and campus engagement | No | Yes — 2.90 GPA, 12+ credits/semester, 12 hrs of service/semester | Students with GPA ≥3.0; strongest applicants show leadership and service | Dec 1 (priority) |
Note: Renewal for both scholarships requires full-time enrollment. The Johnetta Haley Scholarship also includes a community service requirement (24 hours per year). Priority deadline for all SIUE merit awards is December 1.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply separately? No, all admitted freshmen are automatically considered for Cougar Pride and Johnetta Haley awards.
Are test scores required? No. These awards are GPA-based, and SIUE is test-optional.
Can these stack with other aid? They can combine with federal/state grants, but as tuition-targeted scholarships they cannot exceed actual tuition and fees.
What’s the deadline? For maximum consideration, apply for admission by December 1.
Sources:
https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/
https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
SIUE’s primary competitive award for incoming freshmen is the Meridian Scholarship, which also includes automatic admission to the John Martinson Honors Program. Because it is tied directly to Honors, we cover it in the Honors College section instead of here.
Outside of the Meridian, SIUE does not currently list additional university-wide competitive scholarships for new freshmen. Departmental and niche awards are included in the Hidden Gems section.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No university-wide competitive scholarships listed(see Honors College below). | — | — | — | — | See Honors and Hidden Gems | — |
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Does SIUE offer a university-wide full-ride? Yes — the Meridian Scholarship, but it is tied directly to the Honors Program, so we cover it there.
Are there other selective scholarships for freshmen? Not at the university-wide level. Departmental and identity-based awards are listed in Hidden Gems.
Should students still apply early? Yes. Priority admission deadlines (Dec 1 for automatic merit, Nov 15 for Honors & Meridian) can affect access to both automatic and Honors-related awards.
Sources:
https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/
https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/
🎖️ Honors College
SIUE’s John Martinson Honors Program gives motivated students a smaller, more personalized college experience within a public university setting. Admission is competitive but holistic—students are encouraged to apply even if they’re just below the typical GPA or test score range.
What a Typical SIUE Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA of 3.5+; often ACT 25+ or SAT 1200+; strong course rigor; leadership roles in service or activities; willingness to dive into research and small-seminar learning.
High school GPA of 3.5+; often ACT 25+ or SAT 1200+; strong course rigor; leadership roles in service or activities; willingness to dive into research and small-seminar learning.
Perks That Matter:
- Priority registration for classes
- Small, discussion-based seminars that replace general education courses
- Faculty mentorship and thesis/project opportunities
- Special tracks, like pre-law partnerships with SIU Carbondale School of Law
- A strong peer community with service and leadership built into the program
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian Scholarship | Full tuition, mandatory fees, room & board (8 semesters) | Freshmen with exceptional academics, leadership, and service; typically GPA 3.5+ with strong rigor | Yes — application required | Yes — maintain Honors Program and GPA standards | Top applicants with standout essays/interviews; all recipients are automatically admitted to Honors | Nov 15 (priority), Dec 1 (final) |
| Albert and Leyla D. Somit Honors Scholarship | Cash award (amount varies) | Honors students who exemplify “Learn, Lead, Serve” values with academic achievement, leadership, and civic engagement | No | Yes — if Honors standing maintained | Engaged Honors students with strong academics and a record of service/leadership | March 1 |
| Eva and Joe Corder Honors Scholarship | Cash award (amount varies) | Honors students committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others | No | Yes — if Honors standing maintained | Students in the Honors Program with strong service orientation and community impact | March 1 |
| Pam Huller Gwaltney Memorial Scholarship | Cash award (amount varies) | Honors students dedicated to reaching their potential as scholars and leaders engaged in community life | No | Yes — if Honors standing maintained | Students who show both academic promise and community engagement within Honors | March 1 |
| Provost Tuition Scholarships | Partial tuition support (amount varies) | Students who are active members of the Honors Program | No | Yes — contingent on Honors participation | Honors students in good standing who meet academic and program expectations | March 1 |
Honors Program FAQ
Is admission automatic if I meet the GPA? No. Admission is holistic and competitive, but many strong students with 3.5+ GPAs are admitted.
Does Honors add time to graduation? No. Honors seminars replace core courses and are designed to fit within a four-year degree plan.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors students? The main Honors-linked award is the Meridian Scholarship, SIUE’s top full-ride program.
When should students apply? For the Meridian, apply by Nov 15 (priority) or Dec 1 (final). For internal Honors scholarships, aim for March 1.
Sources:
https://www.siue.edu/honors/
https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://www.siue.edu/honors/
https://www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville may not be an R1 research university, but it’s earned statewide recognition for several career-ready programs. Families often choose SIUE for its strong connections to St. Louis’ healthcare and engineering industries, as well as its nationally recognized professional schools. Here’s where SIUE stands out.
🏥 Nursing: SIUE’s School of Nursing is one of the largest in Illinois, with state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical partnerships across the region. Graduates consistently report strong job placement and board pass rates.
- Pharmacy: SIUE’s School of Pharmacy ranks among the top programs in Illinois for first-time licensure exam pass rates, making it a trusted pipeline into the healthcare workforce.
- Engineering: Known for its close ties to industry in St. Louis, SIUE’s School of Engineering emphasizes co-ops and applied projects that help graduates step directly into careers.
- Business: The School of Business holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction achieved by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide.
- Undergraduate Research: Through the URCA (Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities) program, SIUE gives hundreds of students each year the chance to publish, present, and get hands-on faculty mentorship.