Students at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale achieve meaningful earnings beyond expectations, with graduates consistently outperforming similar students at other institutions by nearly $3,800 annually.
The university's strength lies in converting broad access into real economic mobility, particularly for first-generation and low-income students who achieve top-quartile earnings outcomes nationally.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale delivers strong value as a comprehensive public research university, particularly excelling in economic mobility for students from diverse backgrounds. As a designated "Mobility Engine," SIUC combines broad access with meaningful upward mobility outcomes that place it among the top institutions nationally for helping low-income students succeed financially after graduation.
The university serves a substantial population of first-generation college students (35%) and Pell Grant recipients (37%), yet consistently produces graduates who earn more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions. With median 10-year earnings of $53,390 and an earnings advantage of nearly $3,800 above expectations, SIUC demonstrates how a regional public university can deliver strong return on investment without sacrificing accessibility.
Located in southern Illinois, SIUC offers the comprehensive academic breadth of a research university while maintaining the supportive environment that helps students from all backgrounds transition successfully into their careers. The university's combination of affordability, accessibility, and strong long-term outcomes makes it a compelling choice for families seeking reliable educational value in the Midwest.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's program portfolio demonstrates how specialized offerings can deliver strong returns even at a regional public university. Agricultural Teacher Education leads in aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment of 173 graduates with solid median earnings of $48,935, reflecting both the program's scale and its connection to stable, well-compensated careers in education and agricultural extension services. This program exemplifies SIUC's strength in preparing students for professional roles that serve rural and agricultural communities throughout the Midwest.
Aviation programs represent SIUC's largest specialized footprint, graduating 141 students annually with median earnings around $39,950. While not the highest-paying field, aviation offers clear career pathways and steady employment demand, particularly as the aerospace industry continues expanding. For students seeking maximum earning potential, Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers the strongest individual returns at $65,905 median earnings, though with smaller cohorts of 32 graduates annually.
The diversity in program outcomes—from agricultural education's broad professional preparation to engineering's high-earning technical specialization—allows students to align their interests with realistic career expectations. SIUC's strength lies not in having every program rank at the top nationally, but in offering multiple pathways where graduates consistently achieve solid financial outcomes and meaningful career advancement opportunities.
Graduates of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $53,390, with the university delivering an earnings advantage of nearly $3,800 compared with similar students at other institutions. This "earnings beyond expectations" performance reflects SIUC's ability to add meaningful value to students' career trajectories, particularly through strong career services and employer connections that help graduates secure positions with upward mobility potential.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly, offering students multiple pathways to career success. Agricultural Teacher Education stands out as the highest aggregate-return program, combining solid enrollment of 173 graduates with strong median earnings of $48,935, making it a key economic driver for the university. Aviation programs, with 141 graduates earning around $39,950, represent SIUC's largest specialized program footprint and connect directly to growing aerospace industry demand. For students seeking the highest individual earning potential, Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers median earnings of $65,905, though with smaller cohorts of 32 graduates annually.
The university's diverse program portfolio allows students to find their niche while still achieving meaningful financial returns. Whether through specialized technical programs like aviation, professional fields like agricultural education, or traditional engineering disciplines, SIUC graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations in their chosen fields.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers strong affordability across all income levels, making quality higher education accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay an average net price of $12,928 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $13,206 per year—both figures representing excellent value for a comprehensive research university experience. Even high-income families benefit from reasonable pricing at $23,582 annually, well below what many comparable institutions charge.
The university's debt structure supports long-term financial sustainability for graduates. Typical students leave with about $21,543 in federal loan debt, a manageable amount given SIUC's strong earnings outcomes and the university's 0% federal loan default rate. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $16,445, reflecting moderate family contribution levels that don't overburden households. The combination of reasonable net prices and manageable debt loads creates a sustainable financial pathway for students and families.
What makes SIUC particularly attractive from an affordability standpoint is how well graduates can service their educational investments. With median earnings of $53,390 ten years out and strong loan repayment rates, most borrowers find themselves on solid financial footing relatively quickly after graduation. The university's loan repayment trajectory shows borrowers making steady progress on balance reduction, with many achieving full payoff ahead of national timelines.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
