About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale stands out for its aviation program, strong agriculture and engineering departments, and one of the oldest forensic science programs in the country. The university enrolls 8,116 students in the small town of Carbondale, creating a close-knit campus atmosphere where students know their professors. Notable graduates include NBA Hall of Famer Walt Frazier and civil rights activist Dick Gregory. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for meaningful interaction. The school accepts 91.5% of applicants, making it accessible to students with a wide range of academic backgrounds.
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,928 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay around $23,582. Graduates earn a median of $53,390 ten years after graduation, though they typically leave with $21,543 in debt and monthly loan payments of $228. The numbers suggest a reasonable return on investment, especially for students pursuing the university's signature programs. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students.
The Salukis compete in 13 NCAA Division I sports with 408 student-athletes. However, the 56% six-year graduation rate suggests students need strong motivation to finish their degrees at this research university.
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,928 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay around $23,582. Graduates earn a median of $53,390 ten years after graduation, though they typically leave with $21,543 in debt and monthly loan payments of $228. The numbers suggest a reasonable return on investment, especially for students pursuing the university's signature programs. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students.
The Salukis compete in 13 NCAA Division I sports with 408 student-athletes. However, the 56% six-year graduation rate suggests students need strong motivation to finish their degrees at this research university.
Academics & Faculty
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale operates as a public research university with deep roots in specialized programs that set it apart. The school houses one of the nation's oldest forensic science programs, training future crime scene investigators and lab technicians. Aviation students learn on a campus with its own airport, while agriculture majors benefit from extensive farmland and research facilities. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors across disciplines. However, the 56% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. Engineering programs draw students statewide, and the research focus means undergraduates can work alongside faculty on real projects. The university's strength lies in hands-on, career-focused education rather than theoretical academics.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 78.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.3%
- Retention Rate
- 68.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,390
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,597 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,905 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,068 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,673 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,221 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $57,318 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $56,087 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $55,211 |
Campus Life
Campus life centers around the 1,100-acre grounds where 55% of students live in residence halls that house 4,492 students. Carbondale sits in southern Illinois farm country, about two hours from St. Louis, where winters require heavy coats and summers bring humid heat typical of the Midwest. The Salukis compete in 13 Division I sports, drawing crowds especially for basketball games at Banterra Center. Students gather at the Student Recreation Center or explore Shawnee National Forest just minutes from campus.
Weekend social life revolves around Strip bars on South Illinois Avenue and outdoor activities along Campus Lake. The aviation program means you'll regularly see small planes overhead from the campus airport. Greek life attracts about 10% of students, while many others join clubs related to SIU's strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and forensic science. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class discussions are common. Halloween weekend brings the annual "Carbondale Halloween" celebration, though the university has worked to tone down what was once a massive street party.
Weekend social life revolves around Strip bars on South Illinois Avenue and outdoor activities along Campus Lake. The aviation program means you'll regularly see small planes overhead from the campus airport. Greek life attracts about 10% of students, while many others join clubs related to SIU's strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and forensic science. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class discussions are common. Halloween weekend brings the annual "Carbondale Halloween" celebration, though the university has worked to tone down what was once a massive street party.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 4,492 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
61 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 11 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–41°F
- July Avg
- 67°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 91.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- -766.7"
Student Demographics
Southern Illinois draws mostly local and regional students, with 78% coming from within the state. The student body reflects the school's blue-collar mission, as 37% receive Pell Grants for low-income families. Students gravitate toward SIU's hands-on programs in aviation, agriculture, and engineering. The nearly even gender split stems from strong enrollment in both traditionally male fields like aviation mechanics and female-dominated areas like education. Many first-generation college students choose SIU for its practical career preparation and affordable access to four-year degrees in southern Illinois.
- Men
- 49.0%
- Women
- 51.1%
- White
- 65.7%
- Black
- 16.8%
- Hispanic
- 9.7%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 77.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.7%
Location
Carbondale sits in southern Illinois, about 100 miles southeast of St. Louis. The town of 25,000 revolves around the university, creating a classic college town atmosphere in rural Illinois. With 77.81% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with the flat prairie landscape and small-town Midwest culture. The Shawnee National Forest borders the area, offering outdoor recreation that contrasts with the agricultural surroundings. Carbondale's remote setting means students get a tight-knit campus experience without big city distractions. The town-distant classification reflects its isolation from major metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Carbondale, Illinois 62901-4512
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,390
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,667
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,543
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale accepts 91.5% of applicants, making it highly accessible for most students. The average SAT score is 1020, reflecting the university's commitment to providing opportunities for students across a wide range of academic backgrounds.
How much does Southern Illinois University-Carbondale cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $16,177, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $12,928. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, and the median debt at graduation is $21,543.
What academic programs is Southern Illinois University-Carbondale known for?
The university is well-known for its aviation, agriculture, and engineering programs, plus one of the oldest forensic science programs in the country. With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, students get personalized attention in these specialized fields.
What are the graduation rates at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
The six-year graduation rate is 56.3%, while 52.5% of students graduate within four years. Graduates earn a median salary of $53,390 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 95.2%.
Where is Southern Illinois University-Carbondale located and what's campus life like?
The campus sits in Carbondale, a college town in southern Illinois, with housing for 4,492 students out of 8,116 total enrollment. The Salukis compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 408 student-athletes across 13 varsity sports.
Does Southern Illinois University-Carbondale have notable alumni?
Famous graduates include NBA Hall of Famer Walt Frazier, NFL quarterback Jim Hart, and civil rights activist Dick Gregory. The university's diverse programs have produced leaders in sports, entertainment, and social justice across decades.
