Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 8,494 students.
About This School
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a public institution located in Carbondale, Illinois with approximately 8,494 undergraduate students enrolled. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 87%. The average net price after financial aid is $13,297 per year. The graduation rate is 62%, and the typical graduate earns $49,500 within 10 years of enrollment.
Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a public research university in Carbondale, Illinois, United States. Chartered in 1869, SIU is the oldest and flagship campus of the Southern Illinois University system. SIU enrolls students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Originally founded as a normal college, the university today provides programs in a variety of disciplines. SIU was granted limited university status in 1943 and began offering graduate degrees in 1950. A separate campus was established in Edwardsville, Illinois in 1957, eventually becoming Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $16,177/year average net cost and a solid $49,500 median salary 10 years out, the financial value is reasonable — but only 56% of students graduate, and just 69% of freshmen return for sophomore year, which signals real challenges with retention and student success. Worth considering if you're drawn to a research university with genuine program depth and an affordable price tag, but come in with a clear plan and make use of support resources early. Students who thrive here tend to be self-directed; those who need a highly structured environment may struggle.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 20% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (8,494 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Lincoln Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901-4512
Official Links
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Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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