
1 Hairpin Dr, Edwardsville, IL 62026, USA


Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville sponsors a variety of intercollegiate sports teams that compete primarily in NCAA Division I. The university supports both men's and women's athletics, offering opportunities in sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, and track and field. These programs provide student-athletes with a chance to compete at a high level while pursuing their academic goals.
The Cougars, as the teams are known, participate in the Ohio Valley Conference, facing regional rivals and gaining strong exposure through conference play. The athletic department emphasizes not only competitive success but also the personal development and academic achievement of its student-athletes. Facilities on campus support the training and development needed for Division I competition, including dedicated arenas and fields for various sports.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville offers a variety of student organizations designed to enrich campus life and foster community engagement. Prospective students can join the Fraternity and Sorority Life system, which includes seven men's and twelve women's Greek organizations. Approximately 13% of the student body participates in these social organizations, with about 3,320 men and 4,210 women enrolled at the university.
Beyond Greek life, the Campus Activities Board provides programming that encourages student involvement in diverse events throughout the academic year. Sports enthusiasts may find opportunities through various Sports Clubs and Intramural leagues, promoting recreation and competition in a more informal setting.
Additionally, the university supports philanthropic and leadership development through initiatives like Dance Marathon, a student-led event focused on charitable fundraising. Student Government is also active on campus, offering leadership roles that allow participants to influence campus policies and represent the student body.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville has a predominantly in-state student population, with approximately 98% of students coming from within Illinois, placing the university in the top 15% nationally for in-state enrollment. Out-of-state students make up a very small portion, around 2%, which is notably low compared to other institutions. The presence of international students is minimal, with almost no foreign representation, and the proportion of students from unknown residency backgrounds remains average.
The university serves a moderately sized student body, with about 1,602 freshmen and a notably high number of transfer students, totaling 910. This contributes to a combined total enrollment of roughly 2,512 new and continuing students, positioning the institution in the upper third nationally for student volume.
Age diversity among undergraduates is evident, spanning from younger students below 18 years old to those above 65. The largest age brackets for undergraduates fall between 18 and 21 years, particularly those aged 18 to 19 and 20 to 21. Graduate students tend to be older, with a significant number ranging from 22 to 39 years, and a considerable group aged 40 to 49, indicating that the university attracts mature students pursuing advanced degrees.
The racial and ethnic makeup of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville is varied. White students represent the largest group, with about 5,932 individuals, ranking the university in the top 20% nationally for this demographic. African American students form a substantial portion as well, numbering approximately 1,297, placing the institution in the top 25% for African American enrollment. Hispanic and Asian student populations are smaller yet present, each assessed as average in size compared to other universities. Other groups, such as Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and those identifying with two or more races, contribute to a diverse campus environment. A noteworthy share of students fall into an unknown racial category but still align with national averages.
Student life at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville offers a variety of opportunities for involvement and support on campus. Those interested in media and performing arts can engage with the campus newspaper, drama activities, radio station, and chorus. Although there is no campus band or television station, the existing outlets provide diverse creative platforms for students.
The university also prioritizes student well-being by providing access to health services, psychological counseling, and a dedicated veterans affairs office. These resources help ensure a supportive environment for various student needs.
With a student-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville maintains an average level of personal academic support, fostering interaction between students and professors. Its enrollment size is typical for a mid-sized institution, creating a community large enough to offer many experiences yet small enough for students to find their place.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville offers library resources primarily through its main facility, Lovejoy Library. Students have access to physical collections and digital materials supported by trained staff and established hours, ensuring a consistent and resourceful environment for study and research.
The university provides study rooms within the library, allowing for collaborative or private work sessions. Although there is only one library on campus and no additional satellite libraries, students benefit from access to shared collections, expanding their research possibilities beyond what is immediately available in Lovejoy Library.
While the library does not offer all-day access, its combination of physical and digital facilities maintains a balance between resources and operational support suited to student needs.
Total enrollment
12045Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1580Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
1916 full time, 317 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Lovejoy LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes