Public Institution

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale — Carbondale, Illinois

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Annual Tuition $13,244

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 90.4%

Open Admission

Enrollment 8,116

Active Students

Avg. Salary $53,390

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Carbondale, Illinois
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Southern Illinois University-Carbondale stands as a pillar of higher education in Carbondale, providing a robust academic foundation for 8,116 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions
11.9%

Enrollment Share

Transportation
10.7%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
10%

Enrollment Share

Education
9.6%

Enrollment Share

Engineering Tech
8.1%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences
5.6%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Transportation College

The Transportation program at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Engineering Tech College

The Engineering Tech program at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 90.4%
Difficulty Low

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale maintains an acceptance rate of 90.4%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 49%
Women Enrollment 51.1%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 470 - 580
SAT Mathematics 440 - 560
ACT English 20 - 27
ACT Mathematics 18 - 25
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Southern Illinois University-Carbondale cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $13,244
Out-of-State Tuition $13,244

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 36.7%
Median Student Debt $21,543

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $13,244, graduates see a median starting salary of $53,390, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Illinois.

What salary can Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $53,390

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 56.3%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $16,177
Median Salary (6yr) $43,087
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in Carbondale?

8,116 Students

Gender Comparison

49% Men
51.1% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

68.7%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.2%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
1.8%
Black
16.8%
White
65.7%
Unknown
0.1%
Hispanic
9.7%
Two or More Races
3.8%
International
1.9%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 35.3%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 65.5%
🎖️
Veterans 0.6%
💍
Married Students 7.6%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 10%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $59,313
Average Family Income $53,426
Median Family Income $37,454

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

56.1%
44%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Carbondale Campus Environment

Located at Lincoln Drive, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Illinois. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Is Southern Illinois University-Carbondale a good college in Carbondale, Illinois?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a recognized institution in Carbondale with an enrollment of 8,116 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Illinois based on Department of Education data.
Is Southern Illinois University-Carbondale worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $53,390. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Southern Illinois University-Carbondale cost for Illinois residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is approximately $13,244. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $13,244. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Southern Illinois University-Carbondale for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 65.5% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Southern Illinois University-Carbondale good for Health Professions and Transportation programs?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Transportation programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Graduates of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $53,390, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Southern Illinois University-Carbondale require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale earn a median salary of $53,390 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Southern Illinois University-Carbondale a good investment compared to other IL colleges?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale stands out as a high-value investment in Illinois. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Southern Illinois University-Carbondale located and what is the campus like?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is located at Lincoln Drive in Carbondale, IL. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 8,116 learners.
Who typically attends Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in Carbondale, IL?
The student body at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 35.3% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Illinois

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with other leading institutions in Illinois across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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