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.”

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 compa

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