Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
SIU Carbondale is a public research university in Carbondale, Illinois, in the Shawnee National Forest region. It offers programs in aviation, engineering, agriculture, and the sciences and operates one of the top collegiate aviation programs in the country.
Founded
1869
Location
Carbondale, Illinois
Students
11,731
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
86.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
62.4%
Near national average
Tuition
$13,334
Per year
Avg Net Price
$13,297
After financial aid
SAT Average
1055
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$53,390
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
Dec 1
Regular
Rolling
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale accepts the majority of applicants at 86.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1055/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
62.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
66.8%
4-Year Grad
32%
6-Year Grad
45%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
79.5%
$/Student
$18.0K
Class Size
Medium
The 32% graduation rate is below average, but 66.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$13,334
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,341
Books & Supplies
$1,100
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,329
After Financial Aid
$13,297
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,415
Receive Grants
38.8%
Take Loans
44.7%
The total cost of attendance runs about $28,329/yr, including $12,341 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $13,297.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale fund their education.
While in School
38.8%
Get Grants
Free money
44.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$37,454
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,543
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$228/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $21,543 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
Gender
52.1%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
8,494
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,237
Graduates
35.3%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
19%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 48% men). 35.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
8,494
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale fields 9 varsity teams with 531 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Missouri Valley
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
531
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
289
Men
242
Women
6
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Southern Illinois University-Carbondaleearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$53,390
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Air Transportation
$44K
171 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$54K
102 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
$63K
89 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$55K
72 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
65 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$39K
61 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $43K six years out, growing to $53K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
What is the acceptance rate at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?▾
How much does Southern Illinois University-Carbondale cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?▾
How much do Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.