Southern Illinois University--Carbondale

Southern Illinois University--Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL, 62901, set within a rural environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #301 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Southern Illinois University--Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 900-1180 and ACT scores of 18-25. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.2.

Southern Illinois University--Carbondale enrolls 8,553 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 61% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 40%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Southern Illinois University--Carbondale include Health Professions and Related Programs (11% of students, median early-career salary: $46,391), Education (10% of students, median early-career salary: $46,500), and Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (9% of students, median early-career salary: $66,066). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $12,341. However, the average net price after financial aid is $16,729, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $20,694 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Southern Illinois University--Carbondale's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Southern Illinois University--Carbondale combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Southern Illinois University--Carbondale is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.