About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Founded in 1869, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. is a Public college. Located in Illinois, which is a city setting in Illinois, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 12,182 full time undergraduate students, and 3,805 full time graduate students.

The Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 15:1. There are 711 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate76%
Application Deadline
Application Fee40
SAT Range880-1130
ACT Range19-25

Admissions at SIU are considered Less Selective, with ,61% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 18 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

61% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 30% were in the top quarter, and 9% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

8%
“We”re apathetic”
34%
“We know about current events and vote”
45%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
13%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
8%
“We save it for the classroom”
25%
“Sometimes, but not often”
58%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
9%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
11%
“I only go out in groups”
47%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
40%
“I feel extremely safe”
26%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
28%
“We bought the gear”
45%
“We live for the big game”
8%
“It”s not really our thing”
25%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
48%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
19%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
6%
“Available in class”
62%
“They keep regular office hours”
30%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
26%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
68%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
4%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
9%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
38%
“We only party on weekends”
53%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
4%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
49%
“There might be people who do”
34%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
13%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
8%
“We”re apathetic”
34%
“We know about current events and vote”
45%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
13%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
8%
“We save it for the classroom”
25%
“Sometimes, but not often”
58%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
9%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
11%
“I only go out in groups”
47%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
40%
“I feel extremely safe”
26%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
28%
“We bought the gear”
45%
“We live for the big game”
8%
“It”s not really our thing”
25%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
48%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
19%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
6%
“Available in class”
62%
“They keep regular office hours”
30%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
26%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
68%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
4%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
9%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
38%
“We only party on weekends”
53%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
4%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
49%
“There might be people who do”
34%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
13%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship
  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    134 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    105 Students rated off-campus housing 3.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    145 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 15 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    154 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    154 Students rated class size 4.1 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    154 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    156 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    154 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?

59 Students rated Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Anaya - 11/20/2024

As a current freshman at Southern Illinois University, I am having a wonderful time. Living on a public campus for the first time has been exciting and eventful. Transportation from my dorm to class is a breeze, and the natural surroundings are beautiful. I have a job at the dining hall, I'm in the InterVarsity Christian club, and I have full access to the gym to continue my fitness journey. It is officially finals season, and I have been at SIUC for four months, studying, making friends, and attending social events. I've seen my fair share of rowdy students, both in public and in the classroom. The sporting events are worth going to, especially because of the supportive student section filled with loud cheers and positive energy. My academic path has been smooth thanks to the wonderful support systems SIUC offers, such as tutoring, a writing center, and office hours provided by my professors, which I can access within my busy schedule. These resources have been incredibly helpful in ensuring I stay on top of my coursework and perform well in my classes. I've also had opportunities to assist professors in psychology with their research, an experience I never thought I'd have. Participating in these studies has given me valuable insights into the field and enhanced my educational experience. Overall, my time at SIUC has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am looking forward to what the next semesters will bring.

Leslie - 02/20/2024

I am in the Teacher Education Program at SIUC. The TEP is a good program. One downside is that it seems to be very geared towards elementary majors. I am a secondary education major. Most of the examples that provide in different courses are geared towards elementary majors which can make it hard sometimes. The TEP has some excellent clinical supervisors. The head of the history education program is awesome! I am a commuter student so I can't give an honest review on anything on campus but overall I think SIU is very good!

Madison - 02/05/2024

My opinion of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is that it is a very friendly school. Everywhere you go, the students on campus are always friendly and helpful. There are a good amount of students so that your professors still have time to interact with you as well as our class sizes are a good size. Our sports and greek life are also very popular on campus which is one thing I enjoy a lot because it gives you something to do. Having division 1 sports with a smaller university means so much more especially to our athletes because it is one thing that majority of our student body comes together for every week.

Zain - 09/09/2022

The college is decent. the professors and programs do a good job in training you for the real world and my professors especially are very interactive and let you know and help you start off your career. the drawbacks would 1st include the overall management of the school I feel like some amenities are just there so they can promote without caring about the quality and efficiency of these facilities. This includes housing, dining halls, bus schedules, and resources for academics. I have been to better colleges but at the same time, I have heard and seen worse. The facilities are mostly nice and cooperative but occasionally you will run into someone who complicates things more than it has to be. the extra co-curriculum activities are available you really have to look for your choices but they are there. Campus life is good but they definitely need more screening as there are a lot of students that indulge in activities that are harmful to them and others around them, like drinking, partying, and ruining on-campus housing. Carbondale is a very small town and is mostly active because of the students but outside the university, there are some places that are not convenient to reach such as stores and grocery stores. the campus is diverse but they definitely need to learn to adapt to these different cultures and work to aim to make an environment that is more comfortable for these students I myself was born in a south Asian family and while im fine for the most part I wish it was better adaptive to my culture

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is 76%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    the experience to be on my own and to develope my understanding of the real world. i hope to recieve more in my following two years i have left.

    Read all 181 answers
  3. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a financially smart choice that will make you smarter!

    Read all 40 answers
  4. Describe the students at your school.

    mostly men and most are black.

    Read all 39 answers
  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    People focus more on their social lives rather than their school work at this school. There will always be something more exciting to do instead of what is important and it is extremely hard to focus on what you should be focusing on in this atmosphere. Recieving and keeping good grades is almost impossible for some students.

    Read all 39 answers
  6. What's unique about your campus?

    The faculty are willing to help the students if the students are willing to ask. The school in general is research and academically focused, and internships are competitive, but speaking to the right people can set a student up for success. This is the best aspect about the school besides the environment.

    Read all 34 answers
  7. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    This school was an hour from home which was very important, but also the school spirit. Everywhere you went someone was wearing an SIU shirt or hat. They want you to know where they go to school because we are all so proud.

    Read all 33 answers
  8. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I mostly brag about how I am able to understand the campus and everything it has to offer. I tell them how most of the professors know your name, and really try to help you succeed.

    Read all 32 answers
  9. What kind of person should attend this school?

    This school is wonderful for outdoor enthusiest. Not more than a 20 minute drive away is the National Shawnee forrest. It's chock full of beautiful trails and campgrounds. But for those who aren't the outdoorsy type, Carbondale is known for it's partying. The bars are always full, and house parties are a common thing. And as long as someone is 19, then they can always find a place for entertainment.

    Read all 29 answers
  10. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    What I wanted to do with my life besides have fun. I wish I had been a better high school student. I guess I just did not realize the importance of taking a school career serious at that period of my life.

    Read all 25 answers
  11. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    The kind of person who shouldn't attend my school is someone who would not like to try to further their education or try something new. My school offers an opportunity for anyone to continue their education in whatever their interests are. There are also new and exciting activities that students can participate in that will build their resume while meeting new people and trying new things.

    Read all 22 answers
  12. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing for me at the time was the lack of public transit. However, I do not know if that has changed in the last 20 years.

    Read all 21 answers
  13. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Kappa Karnival/Playas Ball

    Read all 20 answers
  14. What are the academics like at your school?

    The academic stature at SIUC is very overlooked and underrated, which is primarily due to the school’s past reputation of being a ‘party school.’ Therefore, many incoming students often enter the university with the presumption that the classes and coursework will be easy. However, from my own experiences (as well as the aforementioned who soon discover that their presupposition was inaccurate), I have found my courses to be exigent, yet enlightening, and thus I have grown as a student as the knowledge I have acquired has only further contributed to my future as a scholar. Although I do have much insight of the Teacher Education Program, because I am an English major, I am somewhat limited to my knowledge of other departments. Even though my opinion is biased, in regards to the English department at SIUC, all of my professors know my name and have taken a personal interest in me. Furthermore, they have all been exceptionally accommodating with their office hours. This is relevant in that it is incredibly important for a student to build a positive, professional relationship with his or her professor. Because I have established a personal and productive relationship with each of my professors, I consequently feel more content in class and more apt in seeking assistance when needed, and, more importantly, I believe that my performance in class is also enhanced. In regards to the other departments at SIUC, some are not nearly as wonderful as others—many students have a negative outlook on these departments, particularly the Education Department. Although I am currently an English major with a minor in Women’s/Gender/Sexuality Studies, I was recently majoring in English education (which I had been throughout my entire college career until fairly recently). Although I had terrific education professors, the advisement that I had received was very poor. My advisor was placing me in classes that I did not need. Furthermore, she had me enrolled in multiple education courses (which each required 60+ hours of observation) and multiple 400-level English courses. Although I am a very hard-working and competent student, I would have been extremely overwhelmed. On the contrary, the English department is one of the best not only on campus, but also in Illinois. Although it may be hard to believe, I have not had one terrible English professor yet. Even though the English composition courses (i.e. English 101 and 102) are often taught by graduate students, who can either be terrific or terrible, the assistant and associate professors are some of the best. The English department has had fourteen Outstanding Teacher Awards rewarded to its faculty members from the university. Additionally, three members have nationally received recognition for excellence in teaching. Even though the English department is unfortunately not the most renowned program at Southern, the Engineering and Aviation programs are two of the top prestigious programs both in the university and in the nation. The sense of community at SIUC is wonderful. I have thus far met many other undergraduate and graduate students and professors all of whom are incredibly intellectual and who have furthered and contributed to my academic journey—something that I may not have experienced at another institution that did not value community.

    Read all 9 answers
  15. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Our biggest controversy this year, was a strike. The strike really set back a lot of classes by a week. Now that it is close to finals week, a lot of people are rushing to get their projects completed on time. It was the first strike SIUC had ever experienced and was difficult for all parties to get through. The amount of Saluki pride that happened during that week of school was absolutely amazing. You know that professor at SIUC are outstanding people, when they have their whole class out striking with them out of respect.

    Read all 8 answers
  16. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Southern Illinois University at Carbondale has been recognized as many as being a "party school." Back in the 1970s, parties on 'the strip' and riots were some of the popular occurrences. Today, its former legacy lives on, and therefore many are reminded of the school’s past, which has now become the stereotype that continues to remain with the university. Additionally, this has only implemented relatively negative implications that have tarnished the academia’s view of SIUC’s students and the seriousness of their erudite efforts. Although, like many other universities, SIUC does have an active social scene (which does include the average 'party goers'); however, its reputation from the 1970s does not accurately depict the majority of students. Furthermore, its students are not any less adamant, adroit, or able compared to other colleges. SIUC is a research institution that provides many opportunities for students to acquire an excellent education, to research particular interests, and to be provided financial assistance. Although SIUC did have the conjecture of being a ‘party school’ in the past, it, by no means today, fits this stereotype and thus one should see the current educational development of the student body. It is evident that the school has vastly improved in recent years and, moreover, the students (who are entirely committed to their academic careers) undoubtedly surpass the former reputation of the school. It is merely time to look past the past and see the present (and the future) of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

    Read all 7 answers
  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    I think the best party time at SIUC is unofficial Halloween. I think that because it is usually still warm out, everyone is out and it is a very fun time. The bars always have specials and competitions going on. The whole atmosphere of the strip lights up and everyone has a great time.

    Read all 3 answers
  18. What are the most popular classes offered?

    They are many classes offered but I am Pershing my degree in accounting and business

    Read all 1 answers
  19. What are your classes like?

    This semester I enrolled in and online course at SIUC. It is through Distance learning and was a great way to work at my own pace. A bonus is that you have four weeks more than the traditional semester.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

45%

female

55%

male

12,182

Total Undergrad Enrollment

3,805

Total Grad Students

14%

Out-Of-State

85%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

412

Student Organizations

20

Fraternities

9

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

23%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
% Black or African-American
17%
% Hispanic/Latino
9%
% White or Caucasian
65%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

95% of students attending Southern Illinois University-Carbondale receive some sort of financial aid. 52% were awarded federal grants. While 70% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$26,110

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,100

Books and Supplies

$10,186

Room and Board

37,396

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$14,825
$30 - $48K
$14,737
$48 - $75K
$18,460
$75 - $110K
$21,551
$110K & UP
$23,083

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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