Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.3%
- Retention Rate
- 68.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $53,390
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,543
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,597 | $60,389 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $69,338 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,905 | $20,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,068 | $19,500 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $23,935 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,221 | $19,313 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $27,000 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $57,318 | $222,981 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $56,087 | $21,476 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $55,211 | $15,193 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $55,151 | $40,400 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $55,061 | $15,897 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,809 | $37,374 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $54,644 | $21,000 |
| Architecture. | Master | $53,219 | $30,233 |
Outcomes Overview
Southern Illinois graduates carry a median debt of $21,543, roughly 40% of their first-year median earnings of $53,390. Monthly loan payments of $228 consume about 6% of typical graduate income, which sits below national averages for college debt burden. The 95.2% employment rate reflects strong job placement, though the 50.51% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle financially early in their careers. Alumni often enter aviation, agriculture, and engineering fields where SIU's specialized programs carry regional recognition. The forensic science program feeds into law enforcement careers. With reasonable tuition costs and solid employment outcomes, Southern Illinois delivers an average return on investment for students who complete their degrees.