The University of Southern Indiana

Date: Oct 27 2011
Major: Geography and Geosciences (This Major's Salary over time)
I went to USI because I was offered a full scholarship and would have the chance to graduate debt-free. That was pretty much the only factor that brought me here. I'll be graduating with degrees in English and geology, a pretty well-rounded education, and some excellent experiences under my belt.

USI is all about what you put into it. Sure, you'll occasionally run into people here that really push the boundaries of what human stupidity can be. Sure, Evansville is a city best suited to people under 15 and over 40. Sure, the core curriculum and the advising system have their issues, but most of the negative things about USI can be averted if you're willing to do what it takes to avert them yourselves. If you sit slack-jawed in your classes all day and play Call of Duty in your dorm room all night, USI will be awful. You'll probably graduate, but with C's and D's and no real education. You'll probably have no fun or memories and end up boring, feeling like you wasted four years.

On the other hand, if you take the time to get to know your professors, you'll find that for the most part they're great; they're knowledgeable and approachable and truly care about your education, not even just your success in a particular class. The science and engineering college is quickly growing and improving with the blossoming of the new-ish engineering program and the partnership with the IU School of Medicine. Campus is constantly expanding (construction is a pain in the ass, but it's a good thing). I notice a clear increase in diversity of the student body between when I first arrived and now, diversity of ideas and people. People here are friendly, down-to-earth, and getting progressively more open-minded.

USI's not an IU in terms of a party scene, extracurriculars, and stuff like that, but if you put yourself out there and join some organizations or play some club or intramural sports (I played club rugby, personally), you can meet like-minded people to cause mischief and party and do all sorts of college-y things with. You can't just walk down the street and happen upon ten different parties here, you have to be more proactive about your social life, but trust me, you can find (or make) your fun.

One final point: USI has a great but underused international program. If you want to go abroad (which you should want), the ladies and gents in the International Programs and Services office will go to great lengths to make sure you can. It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and it's probably more affordable than you'd expect. I did a semester in South Africa and the tuition and fees were the same as they are at USI (so pretty cheap).

I'm sure I'm biased based on my personal good experience at USI. I know other people who didn't find it to be as great a fit as I did. You're probably better off somewhere else if you want to go to a legendary party school, or want to be around famous professors and long, storied traditions, or don't want to take so much responsibility for your social life. If not, though, check USI out. It's a solid school that's only going to get better in years to come.