Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Edwardsville, Illinois
97.2% Acceptance Rate
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
97.2%Acceptance Rate
3.54Avg GPA
1063Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$25,302Annual Cost
$56,346Grad Salary
31.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
97.2%
Avg GPA
3.54
Avg SAT
1063
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
900–1160
ACT Middle 50%
20–26
Avg Net Price
$13,696
Need-Based Aid
31.6% receive Pell
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public, regional university that emphasizes professional preparation, undergraduate research, and community service. Admissions are selective, focusing on academic rigor and a student's demonstrated readiness for a comprehensive university experience. The university seeks students who are motivated by a sense of purpose and who are eager to participate in its wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Prospective students should highlight their academic consistency and their involvement in activities that foster teamwork or leadership. As the university is highly engaged with regional industry and professional fields, applicants who can connect their studies to real-world outcomes will stand out. The admissions team favors students who are not only academically prepared but also ambitious, self-directed, and ready to leverage the resources of a growing, research-active, and student-focused public university to build a strong professional career.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Acceptance Rate
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 97.2%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 97.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.54 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.34 – 3.53
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.09
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
SIUE GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at SIUE is 3.54. SIUE is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.74-3.94 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.24 and 3.54, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
SIUE GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at SIUE utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.54, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.54 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.34 – 3.53
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.14 – 3.33
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.13
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Pharmacy Conditional Entry Program (CEP) reserves a PharmD seat for select incoming freshmen who apply through the Meridian Scholars Program (indicating pharmacy/pre-pharmacy interest) and answer a dedicated School of Pharmacy essay; a parallel College CEP track exists for current SIUE students (2.75+ GPA in pre-pharmacy/science/math coursework)
- ~80 students admitted to the PharmD program each fall via 4 total pathways (traditional, high school CEP, college CEP, transfer); CEP ineligibility does not disqualify a student from the traditional competitive PharmCAS pathway
- General undergraduate admission has a ~97%+ acceptance rate, recommends but does not require SAT/ACT, and does not require a personal essay for general admission
- The School of Pharmacy is the only pharmacy program in downstate Illinois; PharmD is a full-time, 4-year, day-only program (no part-time option) requiring completion of pre-pharmacy curriculum with C or better in each course
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at SIUE
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into SIUE Without SAT or ACT?
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Average SAT Score: 1063
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is 1063 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1063 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1063 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1160 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 900, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at SIUE. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 505 | 440 | 570 |
| SAT Reading | 525 | 460 | 590 |
| SAT Composite | 1063 | 900 | 1160 |
It means that if you have scored less than 900 then you are below most of the admitted students at SIUE and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1160 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) are good but the admission staff at SIUE tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at SIUE is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Southern Illinois University Edwardsville slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 23 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 17 | 26 |
| ACT English | 23 | 19 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 20 | 26 |
Can I get into Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a 26 ACT?
A 26 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Southern Illinois University Edwardsville uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 26 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for SIUE
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
SIUE provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
For pharmacy-bound students, apply through the Meridian Scholars Program from day one - it's the only door into the Conditional Entry Program
SIUE's Pharmacy Conditional Entry Program (CEP) - an early-assurance pathway reserving a PharmD seat - is only accessible to incoming freshmen who apply to the Meridian Scholars Program and specifically indicate pharmacy or pre-pharmacy as their intended study area, plus answer a dedicated School of Pharmacy essay question. A pre-pharmacy student should not treat the Meridian Scholars application as a generic honors-adjacent opportunity; it's the literal gateway to CEP consideration, and skipping or mishandling that specific essay question forecloses this pathway entirely.
Don't assume CEP rejection means pharmacy rejection - the traditional PharmCAS pathway remains fully open
SIUE's School of Pharmacy explicitly states that CEP is not the only admission route, and ineligibility for CEP doesn't imply a student isn't qualified for the program - roughly 80 students are admitted each fall via four total pathways (traditional, high school CEP, college CEP, and transfer), with the traditional path running through the standard, competitive PharmCAS application process. A student who isn't selected for the guaranteed-seat CEP track should pursue the regular PharmCAS application with equal seriousness rather than treating CEP as the only legitimate door into SIUE pharmacy.
For current SIUE students who didn't get CEP as freshmen, know a second-chance "College CEP" track exists with its own requirements
Beyond the freshman-entry CEP, SIUE offers a separate College Conditional Entry Program for current SIUE students already enrolled in the pre-pharmacy curriculum - requiring a 2.75+ GPA in pre-pharmacy coursework, science/math GPA, and the same PharmCAS application, interview, and writing assessment as the freshman track. A current SIUE student who missed CEP as an incoming freshman should ask their pre-pharmacy advisor specifically about this College CEP option rather than assuming the freshman-only door was their single opportunity.
Use SIUE's "least selective" general admission (97%+ acceptance) to your advantage by applying broadly, but verify GPA cutoffs in each pre-professional GPA category for pharmacy specifically
SIUE's general undergraduate admission is genuinely accessible (recommends but doesn't require SAT/ACT, no essay for general admission), but pharmacy CEP requires clearing a 2.75+ GPA independently in each of several specific categories (overall pre-pharmacy GPA, science GPA, math GPA) - a student should calculate each category separately rather than assuming a single combined GPA captures CEP eligibility.
Expert Insight:
SIUE's general admission ease (97%+ acceptance, no required essay or test scores) can lead pre-pharmacy families to underestimate how genuinely competitive the actual PharmD admission is - only about 80 students are admitted to the professional program each fall from a substantially larger applicant pool, and completing the pre-pharmacy curriculum requirements does not guarantee admission, per the School of Pharmacy's own published statement. A student should not assume strong general-admission performance at SIUE translates into automatic pharmacy program acceptance.
SIUE Profile
Full Name
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)
City
Edwardsville
State
Illinois
ZIP Code
62026-1259
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a SIUE Degree Worth It?
Getting into SIUE can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. SIUE offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at SIUE is $60,000 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.31%.
How much does a degree from SIUE Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is $25,302. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is $13,696.
31.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 40.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SIUE and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SIUE as your choice in the form.
How much does a SIUE Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $56,346. An average SIUE graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
| Point University | West Point, GA | 1059 | 19 |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | 1057 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
Degree Programs at SIUE
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville →
Frequently Asked Questions About SIUE Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $56,346 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $25,302 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
31.6% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is 97.2% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.54. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.24, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.24, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.14 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.54, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1063 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 900–1160.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.