Southern Illinois University Carbondale Campus

2025 admissions data

Southern Illinois University Carbondale Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 86.9% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 87 actually get in. No guessing. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a UNIV institution located in Carbondale, IL — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) offers an enriching experience ideal for students who thrive in a research-intensive environment, particularly those aspiring to careers in STEM or fields requiring specialized training. If you're passionate about sciences or technical disciplines, SIU's strong emphasis on research may enhance your educational journey. However, students seeking a purely liberal arts experience or those who prefer courses with heavier personal interaction, might find a greater fit elsewhere. The trade-off might come from the heavy STEM focus, which can inundate students with rigorous coursework and a competitive atmosphere. Keep in mind, although SIU boasts a high acceptance rate, the academic rigor may necessitate proactive engagement with professors and faculty support, especially as you navigate demanding curricula.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

84.9%

Acceptance Rate

Women

88.4%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

10,858

Admitted

9,433

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Southern Illinois University Carbondale. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math430–580

Reading470–600

ACT Score Range

English17–25

Math17–25

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

Putting the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Acceptance Rate into Perspective

Acceptance rates are often treated as shortcuts in college research. The acceptance rate at Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers a quick snapshot of admissions outcomes, but it’s only meaningful when placed in context.

An acceptance rate of 86.9% reflects aggregate decisions, not personalized evaluations. It includes applicants with a wide range of academic preparation and intentions, which limits how directly it can be applied to individual cases.

Why Acceptance Rates Don’t Equal Admissions Difficulty

Admissions difficulty isn’t uniform across a university. At Southern Illinois University Carbondale, some programs attract more applicants than others, creating differences in competitiveness that a single acceptance rate can’t capture.

Additionally, universities that encourage broad applications often appear more accessible than they actually are. This makes acceptance rate data easy to misread without deeper analysis.

Using Acceptance Rate as a Planning Tool

For applicants, the most productive way to use the acceptance rate at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is to guide expectations and list-building—not to predict outcomes.

When combined with an honest assessment of academic fit and preparation, acceptance rate data becomes one of several inputs that help students navigate admissions decisions more thoughtfully.

Admissions Insight

One significant factor affecting student outcomes at Southern Illinois University Carbondale revolves around the heavy emphasis on STEM disciplines and how this shapes student experiences. For students in scientific fields, the opportunities for hands-on research are plentiful, often tied to collaborations with notable research institutions like NASA and Argonne National Laboratory. Such partnerships provide students with the chance to engage in real-world scientific inquiries, thus polishing their skills in valid and timely applications of their knowledge. However, while this is advantageous, it also means students must prepare for an intense, sometimes overwhelming workload that could lead to burnout without proper management. This intensity can put students at risk of sacrificing their personal lives or well-being in favor of academic ambition. Consequently, it's crucial that prospective students assess their own capacity for managing stress and workload; some might find the pressure aligning with their personal goals, while others may feel stifled. Furthermore, the degree programs at SIU necessitate a level of independence that might challenge those accustomed to a more guided approach to education. Those who struggle with self-motivation may find the transition to this model difficult, hinting at either a need for strong internal discipline or a shift in study habits. Additionally, academic advising and mentorship become vital within this context, as students will benefit greatly from strong relationships with faculty who can provide guidance and support throughout challenging coursework.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $40

Fee Waiver Available: Yes

Application Portal: https://siu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/

Your Chances of Getting Into Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Southern Illinois University Carbondale based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

Should Southern Illinois University Carbondale Be on Your College List?

By now, most students aren’t just researching out of curiosity — they’re trying to decide whether Southern Illinois University Carbondale belongs on their final application list. That decision rarely comes down to a single metric.

Admissions competitiveness varies depending on who you are as an applicant. Some students find that their academic record aligns well with what the university typically looks for, while others may face more competition based on program choice or preparation.

Making a Balanced Application Decision

Strong applicants think in terms of balance. They include schools where they feel confident, schools that push them slightly, and schools that represent ambition. Admissions data helps place Southern Illinois University Carbondale into one of those categories, but it doesn’t make the decision on its own.

What matters most is alignment — between your interests, academic background, and the opportunities the university offers. When that alignment exists, applying becomes a logical step rather than a risky gamble.

Should You Apply to Southern Illinois University Carbondale?

If 86.9% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Southern Illinois University Carbondale Acceptance Rate

What is the acceptance rate and average cost of attendance at Southern Illinois University Carbondale?

The acceptance rate at SIU Carbondale is around 90%. The 2023 undergraduate tuition is $9,638, with an average net price after aid estimated at $16,131.

Does SIU Carbondale require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

SIU Carbondale adopts an optional test policy, meaning that students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores for their application.

What are the most popular majors and degree programs at SIU Carbondale?

SIU Carbondale offers many popular programs, with nationally recognized majors in aviation, criminology, psychology, journalism, and zoology attracting considerable student interest.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio and typical class size at SIU Carbondale?

The student-to-faculty ratio at SIU Carbondale is 11:1, with 66% of classes enrolling between 2 to 19 students, fostering a more intimate learning environment.

Does SIU Carbondale offer online degree programs?

Yes, SIU Carbondale does provide online degree programs, allowing students greater flexibility in their education and the ability to balance coursework with other commitments.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Southern Illinois University Carbondale isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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