
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) is public research university. It is located in Carbondale, Illinois on a large, picturesque campus. SIUC ranks among the top universities in the U.S. It offers undergraduate degrees in a comprehensive range of academic subjects and graduate and professional degrees in law, medicine, and nearly everything else from agricultural sciences to zoology.
SIUC is very strong in the creative and performing arts, which provide excellent education to students in these programs and excellent entertainment to faculty, staff and the community. Many of the SIUC programs in research, civic and social development are designed to benefit the local region and community. The university's extensive selection of academic programs promotes intellectual and cultural pluralism and participation of a wide range of students from different backgrounds. SIUC offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere and robust education in a traditional college town.
History
Southern Illinois University Carbondale was founded in 1869 as the second teacher's college in the state of Illinois. It had 12 academic departments when it opened, and a class of 143 students.
Academics
The academic calendar for Southern Illinois University Carbondale follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters, a May-June intersession, and an 8-week summer session.
Colleges and Schools
- Agricultural Sciences
- Applied Sciences and Arts
- Business
- Education and Human Services
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts
- Mass Communication and Media Arts
- Science
- Graduate School
- School of Law
- School of Medicine
Student Life
Student services at Southern Illinois University Carbondale include veteran's resources, disability support, a student health center, English as a Second Language, a first year student program, on campus housing, a student center, recreation center, student blogs, and more.
For students who wish to become involved beyond the classroom, there are many student groups and organizations, many active fraternities and sororities, multicultural programs and activities, student leadership, volunteerism, and service learning programs, among others.
"Saluki" students who visit the Student Center can find information about attending a film, concert, lecture or special event. Students may wish to participate in a game of bowling or billiards, grab a bite to eat or create something at the Craft Shop.
Campus venues include:
- SIUC Arena
- Kleinau Theatre
- McLeod Theater
- Shryock Auditorium
- Touch of Nature
- University Museum
- Southern Lights Entertainment
- Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra
Traditions
The official school colors for Southern Illinois University Carbondale are maroon and white, with black as an accent color. The athletic teams for many years were nicknamed the "Maroons." The team nickname, and the university's mascot, changed to a Saluki in the early 1950s. The athletic teams are now referred to as the Southern Illinois "Salukis."
The Saluki is a breed of dog, also referred to as an Egyptian Hound or Persian Hound, which is a speedy dog similar to a greyhound. The choice of this dog for a mascot may seem unusual, unless you know that the southern counties of Illinois have historically been referred to as "Egypt" by those who reside in northern Illinois. It is believed that this tradition stems from a drought that occurred in the northern Illinois counties in the early 1800s, when many hungry northerners headed south to fertile and rainy "Egypt" to buy corn and other produce or crops.
Two rhyming verses have been penned by former Southern Illinois staff and fans in reference to Southern Illinois' Saluki mascot:
Princeton has its Tiger. B.C. has its Eagle,
Rutgers is the Queensmen, a title truly regal.
But from frigid New York City to Kentucky's old Paduchee,
There's just one burning question - what the hell is a Saluki?
Old Duke has its Devils Blue; St. Louis plays its Bills.
Texas Western digs the Miners like there's gold in them thar hills.
But from Loo'ville on the bluegrass to St. Peter's on the bogs,
The scene was bad last winter; they all went to the dogs.
Athletics
The Southern Illinois "Salukis" athletic teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track
- Volleyball
Community Life
Carbondale is the capital city of Southern Illinois. It is next to the scenic Shawnee National Forest, which is often referred to as "The Garden of the Gods," offers many sights and opportunities for outdoor activities. Giant City State Park also offers opportunities for outdoor adventure.
The city of Carbondale has a central square or pavilion area that is a hub of activity, offering many venues for dining, shopping and entertainment. This community is a large college town with a lot of charm.
Admission Requirements & Details
The information regarding admissions below may give an overview of the students Southern Illinois University Carbondale accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP or college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- Life Experience Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
Southern Illinois University Carbondale has a total student population of about 17,000. The student body is made up of 75% undergraduate students and 13% graduate students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $15,600. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $40 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- State Residents: $8,500-$10,000
- Out-of-State: $21,000-$25,380
- Charges for part-time students are:
- In-State: $280-$340 per unit
- Out-of-State: $710-$850 per unit
- Some programs may have a frozen tuition rate, which means the tuition will stay the same for up to five years.
Financial Aid Details
The table listed below helps break down the types of financial aid students receive and the percent receiving aid, as well as the average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 92% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 87% | $10,172 |
Receiving Student Loans | 70% | $7,285 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To support students and graduates, Southern Illinois University Carbondale may offer services like those listed below:- Online course work available
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial courses
- Counseling assistance
- Work study style employment
- Assisting students to find work
- Child care
Graduation Rates
Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an overall graduation rate which is close to 43%.
Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
---|---|
Students Graduating in 4 Years | 23% |
Graduating in 5 Years | 16% |
Graduating in 6 Years | 5% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
Campus: Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Art and Design Program
- Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Dietetics Program
- Funeral Service Education Program
- Law Program
- Magnetic Resonance Technologist Program
- Medical Dosimetry Program
- Music Program
- Graduate Level Public Health (Outside School of Public Health) Program
- Radiology Technician Program
- Radiation Therapist Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Theatre Program
Campus: Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Medicine
- Medical (M.D.) Program
- * Accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (since 1972)
Intercollegiate Athletics
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports belonging to the NCAA Division I-AA classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (Missouri Valley Conference)
- Basketball (Missouri Valley Conference)
- Track and Field (Missouri Valley Conference)
- Football (Missouri Valley Conference)
- Golf
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Animal Science (B)
- Agricultural Economics (B, M)
- Agriculture (B, D)
- Plant Sciences (B, M)
- Soil Science and Agronomy (B)
- Applied Horticulture, Horticultural Business Services (B)
Architecture
- Architecture (B, M)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B, M)
- Zoology (B, D, M)
- Molecular Biochemistry (D, M)
- Botany (B, D, M)
- Physiology (B)
- Microbiology (B)
- Molecular Physiology (D, M)
- Pharmacology (D, M)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (B, D, M)
- Management Science (B)
- Advertising and Marketing (B)
- Accounting (B, M)
- Finance (B)
- Business Economics (B)
Communications and Journalism
- Radio and Television (B)
- Journalism (B)
- Communication and Media Studies (M)
- Media Studies (D, M)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Science (B, D, M)
- Information Science (B)
Education
- Trade and Industrial Teacher Education (B, D, M)
- Elementary Education (B)
- Early Childhood Education (B)
- Curriculum and Instruction (D, M)
- ESL (M)
- Special Education (B, M)
- Higher Education Administration (M)
- Health Teacher Education (B, D)
- Teacher Education, Multiple Levels (M)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (D)
- Physical Education (B)
- Teacher and Professional Development
Engineering
- Electrical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Mechanical Engineering (B, M)
- Civil Engineering (B, M)
- Computer Engineering (B)
- Biomedical Engineering (M)
- Mining and Mineral Engineering (B, M)
- Engineering (D)
Engineering Technology
- Industrial Technology (B)
- Automotive Engineering (B)
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician (M)
- Engineering Technology (B)
English Language and Literature
- English (B, D, M)
- Rhetoric and Composition (B, D, M)
- Creative Writing (M)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Apparel and Textiles (B)
- Nutrition and Wellness Studies (M)
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Linguistics (B, M)
- Spanish Language and Literature (B)
- German Language and Literature (B)
- Foreign Languages and Literatures (M)
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (B)
- French Language and Literature (B)
- Russian Language and Literature
- Classical Languages, Literatures and Linguistics
Health and Clinical Professions
- Healthcare Administration (B)
- Medicine (D)
- Radiology Technician (A, B, M)
- Communication Disorders (B, M)
- Dental Hygienist (B)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (B, D, M)
- Physician Assistant (M)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (A)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling (M)
- Community Health and Preventive Medicine (M)
- Health Unit Management (M)
- Dental Laboratory Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Athletic Training
- Histologic Technology
History
- History (B, D, M)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Nutrition (B)
- Systems Science and Theory (M)
- Gerontology (C)
- International and Global Studies (B)
Legal Professions and Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (B)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, D, M)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Avionics Maintenance Technology (B)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Forestry (B, M)
- Natural Resources Management and Policy (D)
Personal and Culinary Services
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B, D, M)
Physical Sciences
Psychology
- Psychology (B, D, M)
- Educational Psychology (D, M)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (B, M)
- Public Administration (M)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Kinesiology And Exercise Science (B, M)
- Sports Management (B)
- Parks and Recreation (B, M)
Security and Protective Services
- Fire Services Administration (B, M)
- Law and Justice Administration
Social Sciences
- Criminology (B, M)
- Political Science (B, D)
- Anthropology (B, D, M)
- Geography (B, M)
- Economics (B, D, M)
- Sociology (B, D, M)
- Social Science (B)
Transportation and Materials Moving
- Aviation and Airway Management (B)
- Commercial Airline Pilot (A)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Arts (B, M)
- Cinematography And Film (B)
- Music (B, M)
- Interior Design (B)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B, M)
- Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (B)
- Art History (M)
- Design and Visual Communications
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
- Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO (31 miles away)
- Harris - Stowe State University in Saint Louis, MO (83 miles away)
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Edwardsville, IL (83 miles away)
- University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, IN (86 miles away)
- University of Missouri - St Louis in Saint Louis, MO (87 miles away)
Also, check out our college lists below, which can help students compare schools to one another:
- Compare all colleges & universities in Illinois
- Compare other Illinois state universities