University of Southern Indiana Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- 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: ~96%
- Middle 50% ACT: 21-27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1030-1240
- Average GPA: 3.5
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Southern Indiana at a Glance
- December 1 matters more than it looks: Even with rolling admission, that’s the real priority window for stronger scholarship consideration.
- Full-tuition and full-ride awards are competitive: They exist—but they’re not typical outcomes, even for strong students.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Southern Indiana is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 21-27; SAT: 1030-1240.
Average net price? About $12,621/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in KY (Tiered).
University scholarship page: https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/out-of-state-transfer-grant
University scholarship page: https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/david-l-rice-merit-scholarship
Honors Program site: https://www.usi.edu/honors/program-information
University scholarship page: https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/out-of-state-grant-scholarship
University scholarship page: https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/out-of-state-merit-scholarship
University scholarship page: https://www.usi.edu/admissions/scholarships/indiana-freshman-scholarships
University scholarship page: https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/provost-scholarship
University scholarship page: https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships
University scholarship page: https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/transfer-merit-scholarship
University scholarship page: https://www.usi.edu/giving/resources-for-usi-student-and-parents
University scholarship page: https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/baccalaureate-doctor-of-medicine-scholarship
University scholarship page: https://www.usi.edu/admissions/scholarships/other-states
University scholarship page: https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/harolyn-atwater-torain-leadership-scholarship
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Southern Indiana 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) | $10,512 | $23,353 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $10,941 | $10,941 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $21,453 | $34,294 |
Average Federal Net Price: $12,621 — 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.
📌 Regional Tuition & Waiver Options
- Kentucky Reciprocity (specific counties): Residents of Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, and Union (KY) can be classified as reciprocal students and pay in-state tuition & fees.
- Kentucky Regional Award: A tuition waiver that can cover the non-resident tuition difference (for eligible students) — and recipients may also be eligible for the David L. Rice Merit Scholarship ($1,000–$4,000).
- Out-of-State Merit Scholarship (3.5+ GPA): Pays the difference between non-resident and resident tuition plus an additional $2,000/year (first-year on-campus living required).
- Out-of-State Grant (2.75–3.49 GPA): Automatic $9,000/year tuition discount for eligible non-residents (first-year on-campus living required).
Real-dollar context: USI’s sticker-price tuition & fees are about $10,512 in-state vs $23,353 out-of-state — a difference of roughly $12,841 per year before any waivers or scholarships.
🗺 Kentucky Student? Start Here (USI’s 3-Tier Savings)
- Tier 1 (Full Reciprocity): Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, Union (KY) → typically pay in-state tuition & fees.
- Tier 2 (Regional Award): Hopkins, Jefferson, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Webster (KY) → receives a tuition-gap waiver (reduces the out-of-state difference).
- Tier 3 (Other KY counties): Often best path is OOS Merit (3.5+ GPA) or the OOS Grant (2.75–3.49 GPA), which can still bring cost close to in-state.
If your county falls near a line, confirm with USI residency/reciprocity guidance and ask how the waiver will appear on the bill.
🧭 Who USI Is Usually a Strong Value For
- Indiana residents with a ~3.0+ GPA: Automatic Rice merit + low in-state tuition often makes USI one of the most affordable 4-year options before aid.
- Kentucky border students: USI’s KY reciprocity tiers can reduce or eliminate the out-of-state tuition gap (sometimes close to true in-state pricing).
- Out-of-state students with a ~3.5+ GPA (willing to live on campus year 1): The Out-of-State Merit Scholarship can erase most of the non-resident tuition difference and adds $2,000/year.
- Nursing/Health/Engineering-focused students: Strong career-aligned programs can make USI a “high ROI at a lower cost” pick compared to pricier publics.
Tip: If your student is right on the GPA edge for a waiver or tier, apply early and submit updated test scores (USI accepts superscores).
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at University of Southern Indiana
Why is out-of-state tuition so much higher at USI?
Like most public universities, USI charges higher tuition to non-residents because Indiana taxpayers help support the school. The good news: USI has multiple ways for out-of-state students (especially Kentucky students) to reduce that gap through reciprocity and automatic merit.
What’s the difference between “direct/billed” costs and total cost of attendance?
Direct/billed costs are what you typically pay to the university: tuition/fees + housing/meal plan. The total cost of attendance adds indirect expenses like books, transportation, and personal costs used to calculate aid eligibility.
Do Kentucky students get in-state tuition at USI?
Some do. USI participates in a Kentucky reciprocity agreement for residents of certain KY counties (Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, and Union), allowing them to pay in-state tuition & fees. Other students may qualify for Kentucky-specific waivers like the Kentucky Regional Award.
Is the Out-of-State Merit Scholarship really “full tuition”?
It covers the out-of-state tuition difference (bringing tuition down to the in-state level) and adds $2,000/year. Families still need to budget for housing/meal plans and any fees not covered by the waiver.
Can these waivers stack with USI merit scholarships?
Often, yes. For example, USI notes that some waiver recipients may also be eligible for the David L. Rice Merit Scholarship (typically $1,000–$4,000). Stacking rules can vary by award type, so the safest move is to confirm in your USI financial aid offer letter.
Do out-of-state scholarship programs require living on campus?
Yes for the big automatic out-of-state discounts. USI’s Out-of-State Merit and Out-of-State Grant programs require students to live on campus for the first year.
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/2025-2026-cost-of-attendance
https://www.usi.edu/bursar/tuition-fees/undergraduate-tuition-and-fee-rates
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?151306-University-of-Southern-Indiana=
https://www.usi.edu/admissions/policy-and-partnerships/residency-guidelines
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/out-of-state-merit-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/out-of-state-grant-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/david-l-rice-merit-scholarship
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at University of Southern Indiana
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David L. Rice Merit Scholarship — Tier 1 | $4,000/yr | Indiana or eligible KY reciprocity resident; ~3.9+ GPA* | No | Yes (4 yrs, GPA renewal) | Top academic admits from Indiana & reciprocity counties | Rolling (priority by Dec 1) |
| David L. Rice Merit Scholarship — Tier 2 | $3,000/yr | Indiana or reciprocity resident; ~3.6–3.8 GPA* | No | Yes | Strong academic admits meeting upper merit bands | Rolling (priority by Dec 1) |
| David L. Rice Merit Scholarship — Tier 3 | $2,000/yr | Indiana or reciprocity resident; ~3.3–3.5 GPA* | No | Yes | Solid academic admits meeting mid-tier criteria | Rolling |
| David L. Rice Merit Scholarship — Tier 4 | $1,000/yr | Indiana or reciprocity resident; ~3.0+ GPA* | No | Yes | Most qualifying in-state / reciprocity freshmen | Rolling |
| Out-of-State Merit Scholarship | Full OOS tuition gap + $2,000/yr | Non-resident; ~3.5+ GPA*; on-campus housing year 1 | No | Yes | High-achieving OOS students seeking near in-state pricing | Rolling (priority by Dec 1) |
| Out-of-State Grant | $9,000/yr | Non-resident; ~2.75–3.49 GPA*; on-campus housing year 1 | No | Yes | Mid-range OOS admits needing tuition relief | Rolling |
| Out-of-State Transfer Top Scholar Award | Full OOS tuition gap | Transfer; 24+ credits; ~3.25+ college GPA* | No | Yes | High-performing OOS transfers | Rolling |
| Transfer Merit Scholarship | $1,500/yr | Transfer; 24+ credits; ~3.0+ college GPA* | No | Yes | Most qualifying transfer students | Rolling |
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
🧮 Parent Math Box: What USI’s OOS “Near In-State” Deal Can Look Like
Here’s a sample tuition-only example for an out-of-state student with ~3.5+ GPA who meets the on-campus year-1 requirement:
- Out-of-State Tuition & Fees: $23,353
- Minus OOS tuition-gap waiver: −$12,841 (brings tuition down near the in-state rate)
- Minus OOS stipend: −$2,000/year
- Possible additional Rice merit (if eligible via reciprocity/tiers): −$1,000–$4,000/year
Why this matters: At USI, the big savings lever is often the tuition-gap coverage — but housing/meal plans and fees still matter.
Example math only. Actual awards and stacking rules vary by student and may replace other aid. Always verify on your official offer letter.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at USI
⚠️ The Fine Print Families Miss at USI
- Some big awards replace other aid: Competitive “full tuition/full ride” awards may reduce or replace automatic merit rather than stacking on top.
- Housing requirements can be a deal-breaker: Some out-of-state discounts require living on campus the first year — plan your budget accordingly.
- “Full tuition” usually ≠ full cost: Tuition coverage typically does not include housing, meals, parking, or course fees unless explicitly stated.
- Renewal is based on college GPA: Renewable awards have continuing criteria. Ask what GPA and credit load you must maintain to keep each award.
Do I need a separate scholarship application for automatic merit?
No. Automatic merit scholarships at USI are awarded based on your admission application and academic profile. There is no extra application.
Can improving test scores increase my scholarship?
Yes. Because USI accepts ACT and SAT superscores, submitting higher scores before priority review can move you into a higher merit tier.
Do out-of-state scholarships really bring tuition down to in-state?
In many cases, yes. The Out-of-State Merit Scholarship covers the non-resident tuition difference and adds $2,000 per year, effectively reducing tuition to the in-state level.
Are these scholarships guaranteed for all four years?
They are renewable for up to four years as long as students meet USI’s continuing enrollment and GPA requirements.
Do automatic scholarships stack with competitive awards?
Sometimes. Some competitive scholarships may replace automatic awards rather than stack. Always confirm stacking rules in your official USI award letter.
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/david-l-rice-merit-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/out-of-state-merit-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/out-of-state-grant-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/admissions/scholarships/transfer-students
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships at University of Southern Indiana
These awards are competitive and limited in number. Unlike automatic merit, they require additional review (essays, leadership, interviews, or nomination) and are typically offered to USI’s highest-achieving applicants.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full ride (tuition, fees, housing, meals) + $600/semester books | Indiana resident; exceptional academics, leadership, service; nomination/interview required* | Yes | Yes (up to 4 yrs) | Top-tier Indiana students statewide (very small cohort) | Early winter (varies by year) |
| Provost Scholarship | Full tuition | High-achieving freshmen; strong GPA/test scores; leadership & rigor* | Yes | Yes | Students near the very top of USI’s applicant pool | Early winter (priority review) |
| Harolyn Atwater Torain Leadership Scholarship | $5,000/yr + in-state tuition rate (for non-residents) | Demonstrated leadership, service, involvement; GPA typically ~3.5+* | Yes | Yes | Students with clear leadership impact beyond the classroom | Early spring (varies) |
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
FAQ — Flagship Scholarships at USI
How are flagship scholarships different from automatic merit?
Flagship awards are limited and competitive. They involve deeper review of leadership, service, essays, and sometimes interviews,
while automatic merit is awarded solely on academics.
Can out-of-state students win USI’s flagship scholarships?
Some can. While the Presidential Scholarship is limited to Indiana residents, awards like the Provost and Torain Leadership
Scholarships can benefit non-residents—especially when paired with in-state tuition waivers.
Do flagship scholarships stack with automatic merit?
Often they replace automatic merit rather than stack on top of it. Always check your official award letter to see which
scholarship is applied.
How competitive are these awards?
Very. The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to a small group of students statewide. Provost and leadership awards are also
selective and go to applicants near the top of USI’s incoming class.
What helps an applicant stand out?
Strong academics matter, but leadership depth, service impact, recommendations, and well-written essays often determine who
moves from “qualified” to “selected.”
https://www.usi.edu/admissions/scholarships/presidential-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/provost-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/admissions/scholarships/leadership-scholarship
🎖 Honors Program at University of Southern Indiana
The USI Honors Program is designed for highly motivated students who want smaller classes, closer faculty mentorship, and access to research, travel, and enrichment opportunities. Honors status itself does not guarantee large merit awards, but it can unlock academic perks and smaller stipends that stack alongside other scholarships.
| Program / Award | Financial Value | Who’s Eligible | Separate App? | Renewable? | Primary Benefits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Program Priority Awards | Varies (often $500–$3,000) | Active Honors students in good standing* | Yes | Sometimes | Study abroad, research, conference funding | Competitive within Honors |
*Eligibility and funding levels can vary by year and by Honors cohort. Admission to Honors does not guarantee a cash scholarship.
FAQ — Honors Program at USI
Does being in Honors increase my scholarship amount?
Not automatically. Honors status by itself does not raise automatic merit awards, but it can improve access to
flagship scholarships and Honors-only enrichment funding.
Is the Honors Program worth it if there’s no big scholarship?
For many students, yes. Priority registration, smaller classes, faculty mentorship, and funded research or travel
opportunities can significantly improve the academic experience and résumé value.
Can out-of-state students join the Honors Program?
Yes. Honors eligibility is based on academic strength, not residency. Out-of-state students often combine Honors
with tuition waivers or automatic merit.
How competitive is admission to Honors?
It’s selective but not ultra-exclusive. Students with strong GPAs, rigorous coursework, and good academic habits
are typical admits.
Do Honors awards stack with other scholarships?
Yes. Honors stipends for research, travel, or study abroad usually stack on top of merit or flagship awards
because they are applied to specific academic expenses.
https://www.usi.edu/honors
https://www.usi.edu/honors/benefits-and-requirements
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Southern Indiana (USI) is a regional public university that punches above its weight in health sciences, nursing, and career-aligned professional programs. Families are often drawn to USI for its hands-on learning model, strong employer connections across southern Indiana and western Kentucky, and programs designed to move students efficiently from the classroom into real jobs.
Nursing & Health Professions — USI is especially well known for its nursing and allied health programs, with strong licensure pass rates, clinical placements, and partnerships with regional healthcare systems. These programs are a major draw for students seeking stable, in-demand careers.
- Nursing & Health Professions: Includes nursing, radiologic sciences, respiratory therapy, and related health fields, with extensive clinical and hospital partnerships.
- Business: Offers practical, career-focused business degrees with strengths in management, accounting, and supply chain–related fields tied to regional employers.
- Engineering & Applied Sciences: Known for hands-on engineering programs that emphasize applied learning, internships, and workforce readiness.
- Education: Teacher preparation programs with strong placement across Indiana and nearby Kentucky school districts, particularly in K–12 education.
🔗 Official University of Southern Indiana Links
Use the University of Southern Indiana’s official resources below to confirm admissions requirements, scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, eligibility rules, and award details.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://www.usi.edu/admissions -
Application Deadlines & Requirements:
https://www.usi.edu/undergraduate-admissions/deadlines -
Scholarships & Financial Aid:
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid -
Merit & Institutional Scholarship Guidelines:
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance -
Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/usi -
Common Data Set / Admitted Student Profile:
https://www.usi.edu/about-usi/institutional-research/common-data-set