University of Southern Indiana logo

University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, IN Public ยท Suburban www.usi.edu
Accept Rate
94.65%
Grad Rate
51.5%
Enrollment
5,344
Avg SAT
1131
Tuition
$10,136
Median Salary
$47,605
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

USI has a laid-back, supportive atmosphere that feels like a close-knit community where you're not just a number in a lecture hall. The suburban campus is green and walkable, fostering a sense of comfort and focus, but with enough school spirit and Division II athletics to keep energy levels up. It feels like a place where you can genuinely get to know your professors and classmates without the overwhelming pressure of a massive university.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

94.65%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 113175th Pctl
10201220
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2475th Pctl
2228
1122436

Admissions Tips

With a high acceptance rate, USI is accessible, but you should still highlight your involvement in health sciences, business clubs, or community service to stand out for specific programs. Since the average SAT is around 1131, aim to be near or above that for competitive scholarships, and make sure your application essay reflects a genuine interest in the university's supportive, community-focused environment. If you're a strong student, apply early to be considered for merit-based aid, which can significantly lower the cost.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1131
40080012001600
School range: 1020โ€“1220

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

USI is a regional powerhouse in Health Professions, with strong, hands-on programs in nursing and radiologic technology that lead directly to local jobs. The university emphasizes practical learning and undergraduate research opportunities, particularly in its well-regarded College of Nursing and Health Professions and the College of Business. Class sizes are generally manageable, allowing for personal attention from professors who are focused on teaching rather than just research.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
28.5%
Business & Marketing
18%
Psychology
5.5%
Education
5.3%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
5.2%
Computer Science
4.3%
Engineering
4.1%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.8%
Biology & Biomedical
3.4%
Public Administration
3.3%
Social Sciences
3%
Criminal Justice
3%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

51.5%
Graduation Rate
69.5%
Retention Rate
5,344
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$10,136
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$12,621
After financial aid
Total Cost
$20,749
Cost of attendance/year
22.3%
Receive Pell Grants
28.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Evansville

Student life in Evansville often involves exploring the riverfront, visiting the Mesker Park Zoo, or catching a show at the historic Victory Theatre. Students enjoy the affordability of the city, with local hangouts, parks, and a growing food scene offering a relaxed alternative to a big college town.

Local Rent Check

$850 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Evansville
Explore Evansville

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$40,544
$0Est. 4 Years: $40,544

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($47,605):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe, with its own University Police department and well-lit pathways, though standard precautions are always recommended. Evansville is a manageable mid-sized city, and the campus is located in a quiet, suburban area away from the highest-crime neighborhoods.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Highly affordable in-state tuition with a strong ROI
  • โœ“ Excellent reputation in Health Professions and Nursing programs
  • โœ“ Small class sizes and accessible, teaching-focused faculty
  • โœ“ Safe, quiet suburban campus ideal for focused study

Cons

  • โœ— Lower graduation and retention rates compared to national averages
  • โœ— Limited on-campus social scene compared to larger universities
  • โœ— Fewer nationally-ranked programs outside of health and business

Notable Alumni

Larry Bird
Legendary NBA Hall of Famer who played for the Sycamores before his iconic professional career.
Kathy Collins
Former CEO of the Old National Bank Foundation and a prominent community leader in the Evansville region.
Dr. Ronald S. Rochon
Current President of the University of Southern Indiana, leading the institution into its next chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

USI is widely known for its highly-regarded Health Professions programs, especially Nursing and Radiologic Technology, which are respected by regional healthcare employers. The university also has strong Business, Psychology, and Education colleges, and it prides itself on being a student-centered public university with a focus on practical, career-ready skills.

No, University of Southern Indiana is not hard to get into, with a very high acceptance rate of 94.65%. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1131, making it an accessible option for most applicants, though competitive programs like nursing may have higher internal requirements.

Campus life at USI is community-oriented and relaxed, with a focus on student involvement through clubs, Division II athletics, and campus events. The residential campus offers a traditional college experience, but its suburban location means students often explore Evansville for entertainment, creating a balance between campus-focused and city-based activities.

Yes, particularly for in-state students, USI represents an excellent financial value. With a low net price of $12,621 and solid median earnings of $47,605 ten years after graduation, the return on investment is strong, allowing students to graduate with less debt and enter the workforce with a respected degree, especially in high-demand fields like healthcare.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Deaconess Health System St. Vincent Evansville Old National Bank Berry Global Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation
Smart Start Score
52

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 8,246
  • In-State Tuition $10,136
  • Out-of-State $22,573
  • Zip Code 47712

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 37.5% โ™€ 62.5%

The Money Talk

For in-state students, USI offers exceptional value with tuition under $11,000 and a net price around $12,600, making it one of the most affordable paths to a four-year degree in Indiana. The 10-year median earnings of $47,605 provide a solid return on investment, especially given the low debt burden for graduates. For out-of-state students, the value is still strong but requires careful consideration against regional tuition reciprocity programs.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $10,136
Housing (12 mo) $10,200
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $27,536
With avg financial aid:
$12,621/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.