EDWARDSVILLE — A $10 million budget deficit at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been reversed, thanks in part to an increase in new students.
The university’s fiscal 2026 budget is balanced — the first time that has happened in eight years, according to Chancellor James Minor.
“We’re off to a great start. It doesn’t mean that things won’t happen throughout the year,†Minor said Thursday in a speech to the community. “Things could change in the second quarter, but we’re submitting a balanced budget for the university and that is a major accomplishment.â€
University leaders originally estimated a loss of 300 students this fall and floated the possibility of staff buyouts and program cuts. Instead, the university gained 920 enrollments, including 300 first-year students compared to fall 2024. Total enrollment is 12,813, with the schools of business, engineering and nursing seeing the biggest boost.
The gains include a more robust dual-credit early college program for high school students, but traditional students also are making a comeback. More than 3,000 students live on campus, the most since 2017.
“This is an exciting time to be on our campus, and our students see it and feel it. They want to be a part of it. We have our largest number of students living here in many years, which makes the residential feel of our campus more vibrant,†said Miriam Roccia, vice chancellor for student affairs, in a statement.
Not all student groups are on the rise, however. International graduate student enrollment declined by 15% which SIUE leaders attributed to stricter visa requirements under the Trump administration.
Earlier this year, SIUE tried to keep and attract more international students by expanding its “Geographic Enhancement Opportunity†discount, which makes students who have completed 24 credit hours eligible for in-state tuition.
The competition for college students is fierce nationwide as universities face an enrollment cliff mostly due to a decline in birth rates that started in 2008.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale considers its steady enrollment a positive, noting only five fewer students compared to last year for a total of 11,785.
SIU Edwardsville's Brian Taylor II, from left, Ray'Sean Taylor, coach Brian Barone and Desmond Polk speak with the media on Thursday, March 20, 2025, after a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Houston. (NCAA/Veritone)
