About

About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

high research activityaccessible admissionshealth sciences focussmall class sizespublic doctoral university

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a public research university in Carbondale, IL, known for its high research activity, accessible admissions, and health sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 92%, SIU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 1,518 students each year. SIU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 920–1170, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. SIU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $12,241 per year; the sticker price of $29,903 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

92%
Overall Accept Rate
3.25
Typical Admitted GPA
1045
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 2.50 – 3.50 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 920 – 1170 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 19 – 27

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
With a 92% acceptance rate, SIU Carbondale weighs your GPA and course rigor far more than test scores, so make sure your transcript tells a clear upward story and highlight any challenging courses you took.
Test Score Strategy
Since SIU Carbondale is test optional and does not heavily weight demonstrated interest or essays, there is no reason to submit a score below the 50th percentile. Leave it off and let your GPA and activities speak for you.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Southern Illinois University-Carbondale actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$30k/yr$9.4k
30k-48k~$30k/yr$8.5k
48k-75k~$30k/yr$10.3k
75k-110k~$30k/yr$17.7k
110k+~$30k/yr$23.3k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

56%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$43k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
7,133
Undergrad Enrollment
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch