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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville vs Methodist College: which has better ROI?

Public, Edwardsville IL · vs · Private nonprofit, Peoria IL

The verdict

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $59,556 in 7.5 years versus 7.8 years at Methodist College, on median earnings of $56,346 vs $69,800 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouthern Illinois University EdwardsvilleMethodist College
Net price / yr$14,889$41,787
Total net cost$59,556$167,148
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,346$69,800
Median debt$20,500$31,250
Payback7.5 yrs7.8 yrs
20-year net return$100,164$261,652

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville or Methodist College?

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, at $14,889 a year after aid versus $41,787 — a gap of $26,898 a year, or $107,592 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Southern Illinois University Edwardsville or Methodist College graduates earn more?

Methodist College graduates report a median $69,800 ten years after entry, $13,454 more than the $56,346 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville or Methodist College?

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $31,250 at Methodist College, a difference of $10,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, against 20% at Methodist College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville vs Methodist College: frequently asked questions

Is Southern Illinois University Edwardsville or Methodist College a better value?
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. It clears its $59,556 net cost in about 7.5 years versus 7.8 years at Methodist College, on median earnings of $56,346 vs $69,800 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville or Methodist College?
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: $14,889/yr net price after aid versus $41,787/yr at Methodist College — a difference of $26,898 a year, or about $107,592 over four years.
Do Southern Illinois University Edwardsville or Methodist College graduates earn more?
Methodist College graduates earn a median $69,800 ten years after entry, versus $56,346 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville — a $13,454 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.