Southern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University admits a moderately selective applicant pool — approximately 56% of applicants receive offers. While the LSAT remains important, the school's broader band of admitted scores means applicants near the median have a realistic pathway to admission when supported by a compelling overall application. Enrolled students posted LSAT scores from 146 at the 25th percentile to 155 at the 75th percentile, a 9-point spread that suggests the school considers a broader range of applicant profiles. This profile makes Southern Illinois University a reasonable match school for applicants whose LSAT scores fall in the mid-range of the reported distribution.

Southern Illinois University offers a lower cost of attendance relative to most ABA-accredited law schools. The full-time non-resident tuition is $0 per year, which is below average for ABA-accredited law schools. Living costs off campus are estimated at $18,608 per year. The lower tuition base means that even without scholarship funding, graduates face a more manageable debt burden compared to higher-cost peers. This cost advantage can be especially meaningful for students planning careers in lower-salary public service, government, or public interest law. Applicants should still compare total net cost carefully, accounting for fees and living expenses, when weighing options.

Southern Illinois University awards grant aid to 64% of full-time students. Among recipients, the median grant award is $9,500 per year, with a range from $6,000 to $16,540. While a moderate share of the enrolled class benefits from scholarship funding, applicants in the upper portion of the LSAT distribution are better positioned to negotiate merit awards. Prospective students should factor in the uncertainty around scholarship eligibility when projecting net cost and are encouraged to compare offers across peer institutions before committing.