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How to Get Into Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public · 2025-2026 cycle · Verified data

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Admissions Statistics

87%
Acceptance Rate
470-590
SAT Reading (mid 50%)
430-570
SAT Math (mid 50%)
18-25
ACT (mid 50%)
8,494
Undergrads
62%
Graduation Rate

How to Actually Get Into Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

The bar here is clear

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale admits most qualified applicants. Clear the academic bar (the ranges below) and your odds are strong. The real questions become fit, cost, and whether it earns its slot on your list, not whether you can get in.

Position your scores against the real bands

The middle 50% of enrolled students sits around 900-1160 combined SAT or 18-25 ACT. Above the 75th percentile, scores work for you and this can behave like a target. Below the 25th percentile, the rest of your application has to carry the file, treat it as a reach. Since scores are not required (test-optional) here, submit only if you're inside or above the band; a below-band score is information you don't have to volunteer.

The bigger picture: no single school decides your outcome, the shape of your whole list does. Read how top counselors build a college list before you finalize where Southern Illinois University-Carbondale fits.

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Application Deadlines (2025-2026)

Round Deadline
Regular Decision (RD) Rolling

Deadlines verified from official sources for the 2025-2026 cycle. Rounds change year to year, always confirm on the school's site before submitting.

Application Requirements & Costs

Application platform Common App
Application fee $40
Test scores Not required (test-optional)
Writing supplement Not required
Counselor recommendation Not required

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Cost & Financial Aid

Total cost of attendance (sticker, per year) $28,329
Tuition & fees $13,334
Room & board (on campus) $12,341
Average net price (aid-receiving families) $13,297

What You'd Actually Pay, by Family Income

Average net price per year (after grants and scholarships) for aid-receiving families, from federal College Scorecard data:

Family income Average net price / year
$0-30k $9,415
$30-48k $8,497
$48-75k $10,308
$75-110k $17,724
$110k+ $23,254
39%
Students receiving Pell Grants
45%
Students taking federal loans
67%
Freshman retention rate
11:1
Student-faculty ratio

These are averages, not your number. Get your family's actual price in about 10 minutes:

Use Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Official Net Price Calculator →

More Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Data, Coming Soon

We're building the deepest per-school database in admissions. Rolling out for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale:

Programs & Majors Soon Every degree program at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, with outcomes
Transfer Pathways Soon How to transfer into Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and where transfers come from
Institutional Aid Soon Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's own grants and how they're awarded
Private Scholarships Soon Outside scholarships Southern Illinois University-Carbondale students actually win

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