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


Southern Illinois University-Carbondale supports a variety of athletic programs, competing primarily in NCAA Division I. The university's teams, known as the Salukis, participate in multiple sports, offering opportunities for student-athletes to showcase their talents at a competitive level. Popular sports at the university include basketball, football, and volleyball, among others.
The Salukis have a history of fostering strong athletic programs that emphasize both performance and academic success. Facilities on campus provide student-athletes with resources to develop their skills and maintain their fitness. Additionally, the university promotes school spirit through its athletic events, engaging both students and the surrounding community.
A range of student organizations and associations is available at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, providing opportunities for involvement in campus life. Approximately 5% of men and 4% of women students participate in social organizations, reflecting an active engagement among the student body. Men account for a total of 3,390 members, while women total 3,947 members in these groups.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale enrolls a diverse student body with notable concentrations in several demographic categories. The overwhelming majority of students are from within the United States, as 99% of its student population is domestic, a figure that ranks in the top 30% nationally. Among these U. S. students, in-state attendees make up a significant 83%, placing the university in the top 30% for in-state representation.
The university admits an average share of out-of-state students, around 16%, which falls within the lower 35% nationally. Representation from foreign countries is limited, with only about 1% of the student body coming from abroad, reflecting a smaller international presence compared to many other institutions.
The enrollment mix includes a balanced flow of fresh and transfer students. About 1,621 freshmen join each year, an average figure within the top 35% nationwide, while transfer students are notably high in number, totaling approximately 1,188 annually-this ranks the university in the top 20% nationally for attracting transfers. Overall, the combined incoming student total of 2,809 is also relatively high, landing within the top 30% percentile.
Age diversity among students is considerable, particularly when examining undergraduate and graduate populations separately. Most undergraduates are young adults between 18 and 21 years old, with 2,666 students aged 18-19 and 2,678 aged 20-21. Older students are also well represented, with more than 1,500 undergraduates aged 25 and above. Graduate students tend to be older, with a majority between 22 and 49 years old; for instance, 866 students are aged 22-24, and 945 are 25-29 years old. The university also has a modest number of students above 50, across both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Ethnic diversity at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale shows strong representation of several groups. White students constitute the largest demographic with 5,491 individuals, ranking the university in the top 25% nationally for this group. African American students also form a significant part of the campus community, numbering 1,472, placing the university in the top 20% for African American enrollment.
Other ethnic groups such as Hispanic students are present in average proportion with 875 students, while Asian representation is more modest, totaling 146 students. Native American, Pacific Islander, and students identifying with two or more races fall into average ranges, with counts of 18, 8, and 333 respectively. A very small number of students are categorized as unknown in ethnicity.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers a vibrant student life enriched by a variety of campus activities and organizations. Students can engage in creative and performance arts through campus drama productions, choir, and band ensembles. The university also maintains a campus newspaper, radio station, and television channel, providing numerous opportunities for students interested in media and communications.
The university supports a diverse student body with enrollment nearing 12,000, including full-time degree-seeking men and women, which contributes to an active and balanced campus community. With a student-faculty ratio of 11, students generally benefit from a more personalized learning environment.
On the athletic front, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is an NCAA member, which implies competitive collegiate sports programs that may attract students with athletic interests or school spirit enthusiasm.
Students at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale have access to two main library facilities, including the prominent Morris Library. This number of libraries is considered average compared to other institutions, placing the university slightly above the median in national standings.
The university boasts an exceptionally large collection of books, with over 3.3 million volumes. This places it in the top 5% nationwide, highlighting a very strong resource for research and study materials.
In addition to physical books, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers a range of subscriptions and digital resources. While the number of subscriptions and digital subscriptions is average and ranks below the median nationally, students can still access a substantial number of digital books-over 619,000 titles-despite these figures being around the median level.
The university provides access to 164 databases, which is also an average offering compared to peer institutions. While these resources are not at the highest tier nationally, they support a broad array of academic disciplines.
Library services at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale include study rooms, established hours of operation, staffed assistance, and access to shared collections, enhancing the overall student experience. However, all-day access is not available. Both physical and digital facilities support students throughout their academic endeavors.
Total enrollment
11790Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1704Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
785 full time, 215 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Morris LibaryNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes