Increased Scholarships

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scholarship student

Increased Scholarships— and investment in student success

Ensuring Opportunity

The idea of opportunity has always been at the heart of SIU’s mission. We believe that students of modest means and ordinary backgrounds deserve access to a world-class education, and for 150 years, we’ve put that belief in action.

However, the financial challenge of sustaining our commitment has never been greater. In decades past, Pell and MAP grants covered the cost of attendance for many SIU students. Today, they cannot come close, and the university is seeing record demand for financial aid.

In the decade from 2005 to 2015, the average package of aid per undergraduate increased from $8,529 to $14,507, while the number of students receiving aid rose from 78 to 88 percent—all reflecting increasing levels of need.

Of course, SIU students will continue to take on jobs, working hard to supplement their incomes, just as their families will continue to take out loans in the maximum amounts allowed. Meanwhile, the university will prioritize affordability in every decision it makes. Without question, though, the path to ensuring opportunity in the long-term must also include increased investment on the part of SIU’s alumni and friends.

The Cost of an SIU Education

cost chart

*2016-17 costs for an Illinois resident undergraduate.

Extraordinary Impact

In every field of study, from agriculture and education to law and medicine, scholarships and fellowships have a profound impact on our students—and the potential for an even greater impact in the future. 

These scholarships mean the chance for individuals to attend SIU who otherwise could not—a life-changing opportunity. They also position our programs to bring in top students, students we can attract and admit, but who often cannot enroll without financial help. Finally, scholarships are a powerful tool for enriching the diversity of this campus community, long a source of Saluki pride.

Beyond Access

Opening our doors to students is essential, but it’s not all we need to do. Just as important is supporting these students in achieving success—including those who may face longer odds than most, whether because of their academic backgrounds or the fact that they are first-generation college attendees (as 40 percent of our undergraduates still are). We are committed to helping these students, and we have programs proven to be effective. The goal must be to fund these programs fully.