Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

What are the graduation rates for students at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale exhibits a graduation rate that positions it in the lower half when compared nationally. The overall graduation rate stands at 56%, which is considered average but places the university in the bottom 50% percentile.

When examined by gender, male students graduate at a slightly lower rate of 54%, yet this figure places them in the top 50% for their cohort nationally. Female students graduate at a rate of 58%, which, although marginally higher than their male counterparts, remains in the bottom 45% ranking.

Looking into specific time frames, the university's four-year graduation rate is 40%. This rate is assessed as average but still falls within the bottom 45% nationally, suggesting challenges in completing undergraduate degrees within this traditional period. The six-year graduation rate improves to 54%, yet it remains in the bottom 50%, indicating that even with additional time, many students face barriers to graduation.

The retention rate, a strong indicator of student persistence from the first to the second year, is reported at 69%. This figure is categorized as average but unfortunately places the university in the bottom 35%, signaling potential issues with student engagement or institutional support.

Additionally, the university's rate of students completing associate degrees or equivalent credentials is notably low at 15%, ranking it in the bottom 20% nationally. This suggests that the university's emphasis and success are more concentrated on bachelor's and advanced degrees rather than shorter-term credentials.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?

Graduates from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale see a wide range of earning potentials depending on their chosen fields of study. Those who obtained degrees in engineering and related technological disciplines tend to experience the highest average earnings. For example, graduates in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering earn around $65,138, while Mechanical Engineering graduates earn approximately $63,097. Civil Engineering majors also enjoy a solid average starting salary at $59,465. Additionally, those in Industrial Production Technologies and Electrical Engineering Technologies maintain strong earnings around the $64,959 and $63,059 marks, respectively.

Computer and Information Sciences graduates have good earning prospects as well. Computer Science alumni typically earn about $53,515, while those in Computer Engineering receive approximately $54,274. Other technology-focused degrees, such as Computer and Information Sciences, General, average earnings near $55,331. Business-related degrees at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale also show respectable returns, with Accounting graduates averaging $43,990 and Finance and Financial Management Services around $46,785. Business Administration or Management graduates start near $42,679.

Among other fields, graduates in Air Transportation can expect salaries around $44,837, and those in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies earn roughly $49,024. The highest listed earning potential belongs to Fire Protection graduates, who earn an impressive average of $103,432, far surpassing most other disciplines.

Degrees in Agriculture-related fields, including Agricultural Business and Management, typically earn between $31,941 and $45,482, depending on specialization. For instance, Agricultural Business and Management reports earnings near $45,482, while Applied Horticulture graduates earn about $31,941. Forestry graduates average $36,133, reflecting a moderate earning level within natural resource disciplines.

Education-related degrees present a varied picture: Teacher Education in specific subject areas leads with average earnings of $48,694, while Teacher Education focused on specific levels and methods tends to earn around $30,528. Similarly, majors such as Special Education and Teaching, though not listed with available earnings here, often reflect lower starting salaries relative to technical or business fields.

Liberal arts and humanities see more moderate returns. For example, Journalism graduates earn approximately $27,165, Communication degrees around $23,712, and English Language and Literature majors about $23,163. Students in Rhetoric and Composition enjoy slightly higher earnings at $35,472, while History graduates earn near $27,826. Social science majors such as Criminology and Geography report average earnings around $31,490 and $34,117, respectively.

Health-related programs like Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment professions report earnings near $58,573, with Dental Support Services graduates earning roughly $51,974 and Health and Medical Administrative Services at $39,696. These areas tend to offer higher mid-level salaries compared to many social science or arts disciplines.

Other specialized fields show varied income outcomes. For instance, Apparel and Textiles graduates earn approximately $28,143, while Psychology graduates average $27,123. Degrees such as Funeral Service and Mortuary Science yield $28,319, and Legal Support Services approximately $30,351. Design and Applied Arts report earnings near $38,426, with Fine and Studio Arts close to $26,354.