Welcome to Edwardsville
A quiet, student-friendly city in Illinois with big opportunities
USD 20,000–35,000/year
Annual tuition fees
USD 950–1,300/month
Monthly living costs
Why study in Edwardsville
Studying in Edwardsville gives you the best of both worlds—a calm, welcoming community and access to quality education. Located just 30 minutes from St. Louis, this Illinois city offers affordable living, a safe environment, and a strong student focus. You’ll enjoy peaceful surroundings, helpful locals, and direct access to academic institutions with career-focused programmes. It’s ideal if you want to balance your studies with comfort and opportunity.
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Student life
Student life in Edwardsville is relaxed and connected. With a walkable town centre, bike trails, and friendly cafés, you’ll find everything you need nearby. Students often explore nature parks, attend music nights, or take weekend trips to nearby St. Louis for shopping and cultural events. The atmosphere is safe and welcoming, and student organisations play a big role in helping you settle in and stay involved throughout your studies.
Avg. wage per hour
Max. allowed part-time hours
Cost of living
- Food: USD 300–500/month
- Rent: USD 600–900/month
- Household Bills: USD 100–200/month
- Transport: USD 50–100/month
- Miscellaneous: USD 100–200/month
Accommodation choices
- University accommodation
- Private halls
- Shared houses
- Private/Studio apartments
- Rental houses
Most opted part-time jobs
- Retail assistant
- Barista
- Tutor
- Receptionist
- Lab assistant
Public transport
- Bus
- Train
- Bike sharing
- Shared taxi
- Ferry
Edvoy Stays
Let’s help you find budget-friendly student housing in Edwardsville
CULTURE
Edwardsville has a strong community feel with cultural events that bring students and locals together. From food festivals to farmers markets and art fairs, there’s a mix of small-town charm and student energy. You’ll find welcoming locals, multicultural events, and a growing arts scene. For international students, the city provides an inclusive and friendly space to learn and grow while also celebrating your own culture.
SAFETY
Edwardsville is known for being a safe city, especially for students. Emergency services are easily accessible—call 911 for emergencies. For non-urgent assistance, the local police line is 618-656-2131. University campuses provide 24/7 security and offer emergency response services to support student wellbeing and safety.
Discover the city
Located in southern Illinois, Edwardsville is a peaceful, student-oriented city with great access to nature and nearby urban life. The city has everything you need—parks, eateries, libraries, and student services—without the stress of a large metropolis. You’ll enjoy budget-friendly living and a welcoming culture, while also benefiting from internships and industry connections in nearby St. Louis.
Language
English
Currency
USD
Population
20K
Area
51 sq. km
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Edwardsville is a fantastic option for international students. It’s peaceful, safe, and student-friendly, with a strong focus on education and support. You’ll enjoy affordable living, a close-knit community, and easy access to nearby cities like St. Louis for more career and cultural opportunities.
No, Edwardsville is considered very affordable. Rent, food, and transport are budget-friendly, and students often share housing to save even more. Part-time work and student discounts make it easier to manage expenses without sacrificing comfort.
Absolutely. The community is known for being warm and welcoming. With many student-led events, clubs, and support services, it’s easy to connect with others, feel safe, and enjoy your time as a student.
Yes, accommodation options are easy to find and fairly priced. You can choose from on-campus dorms, private rentals, or shared houses, many of which are close to the university and essential services. Universities also assist with finding and securing suitable housing.