
1263 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901-4701, USA


Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that it meets rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education. This regional accreditation affirms the university's commitment to providing recognized and respected academic programs.
The university also holds specialized accreditations in various professional fields, reflecting its adherence to discipline-specific standards. These accreditations contribute to the credibility of its degrees and can be particularly significant for students pursuing careers in those fields.
Prospective students can consider this accreditation status as a key factor when evaluating the university's academic legitimacy and the potential transferability of credits or acceptance into graduate programs elsewhere.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale expects applicants to have completed a high school education or earned a General Educational Development (GED) credential. Prospective students must submit their secondary school records and meet the university's minimum GPA requirements. While the institution does not operate under an open admission policy, it does recognize both college programs and credits, including Advanced Placement (AP) credits, contributing toward admission.
International students are required to submit TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency, though additional standardized tests are recommended. A computer is not mandatory for the application process, but leasing options are available.
The university's admissions process shows a high acceptance rate of 90%, indicating a generally accessible admission standard. Academic testing results portray a student body with average ACT scores around 24, which situates them near the 46th percentile nationally. SAT scores average 1045, placing admitted students toward the lower quartile nationally, with specific averages of 510 in Math and 535 in Writing. These scores reflect that many admitted students perform below median national levels on standardized tests.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale charges an application fee to prospective students applying for admission. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the university provides options for fee waivers to eligible applicants, particularly those who demonstrate financial need or participate in designated programs. These waivers aim to reduce barriers for students who might otherwise find the cost of applying prohibitive.
Applicants qualifying for fee waivers typically include those involved in certain outreach or recruitment initiatives, as well as individuals who meet specific criteria related to family income or participation in programs like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The process to request a fee waiver usually involves submitting appropriate documentation during the application process, ensuring that the waiver is granted before the application is finalized.
While the exact amount of the application fee is determined by the university and may vary, the availability of fee waivers demonstrates Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's commitment to increasing accessibility and supporting a diverse applicant pool.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale does not have any ROTC branch units on its campus. Prospective students interested in ROTC programs will need to explore options at other institutions or locations that offer such military training units.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale welcomes transfer students during the fall, spring, and summer terms, offering multiple entry points throughout the academic year. The university accepts transfer credits, including those earned through College Level Examination Program (CLEP) for both subject and general exams, as well as credits from the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program.
In addition to standard transfer credits, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale also considers recommendations as part of the transfer evaluation process. This flexible approach facilitates the transfer experience by recognizing a variety of prior learning and assessment credentials, allowing prospective transfer students to have their accumulated credits evaluated for potential credit acceptance.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to provide prospective students with international academic and cultural experiences. These programs include faculty-led short-term trips, semester-long exchanges, and opportunities to participate in global internships. The university partners with institutions worldwide, enabling students to earn academic credits while immersing themselves in diverse environments.
Programs are available in numerous disciplines, allowing students to tailor their abroad experience to their field of study. Faculty-led programs typically occur during summer or winter breaks, offering an intensive but manageable timeframe. Exchange programs provide a more immersive experience through a full semester or academic year at a partner university, often accompanied by support services to assist with acclimation and credit transfer.
In addition to traditional academic study, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale encourages students to engage in experiential learning through internships and service projects abroad. These practical opportunities complement classroom knowledge and enhance students' professional development on a global scale.
Median composite SAT score
1045Median composite ACT score
24Percent of students submitting ACT scores
8.13%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
36.8%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer