Southern Illinois University-Carbondale combines open access admission with above-expected earnings outcomes. As a Mobility Engine institution, the university produces earnings beyond expectations while serving 36.6% Pell-eligible students, supporting economic advancement for diverse student populations through career-focused programs.
Around the national average, driven by typical long-term earnings relative to educational investment
Controlled costs and moderate debt levels above average
The university's ability to convert access into earnings growth well above average
The university's ability to convert access into earnings growth well above average
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisMobility Engine: Strong access with earnings growth
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale ranks #318 nationally in Azimuth's analysis, with mobility performance at the 87.9th percentile placing it well above average. Located in Carbondale, Illinois, this medium-sized public university maintains open access with a 90.4% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale enrolls 36.6% Pell-eligible students and 35.3% first-generation students, demonstrating commitment to educational access. Graduates earn $3,826 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 70.3rd percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $53,390 ten years after enrollment, placing Southern Illinois University-Carbondale at the 51st percentile for long-term earnings. Compared to a peer median of $50,116, graduates earn $3,274 more annually.
This combination of open admission, above-average access, and strong economic outcomes places Southern Illinois University-Carbondale within the Mobility Engine quadrant, where institutions serve diverse student populations while achieving meaningful earnings growth.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale delivers earnings beyond expectations while maintaining manageable costs and debt levels. Graduates earn a median of $53,390 ten years after enrollment, ranking around the national average at the 51st percentile.
Earnings range from $34,030 at the 25th percentile to $77,347 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across disciplines. The institution generates $3,826 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 70.3rd percentile nationally on this measure.
Students seeking strong outcomes in technical fields with accessible admission. Well-suited for first-generation students (35.3%) who want a public university combining career-focused programs with manageable costs.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Mobility Engine status reflects strong earning potential for students from diverse backgrounds, particularly in engineering technology, education, and public safety programs.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale admits 90.4% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in the Open Access category, with admission rates above 75%.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is somewhat more accessible than typical public regional universities. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students who apply will gain admission, making Southern Illinois University-Carbondale a solid choice for students seeking a public university option with predictable admission outcomes.
The high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission to serve a broad range of Illinois residents and students from neighboring states. For students building balanced college lists, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale functions as a likely admission option, though students should still meet application deadlines and submit complete materials.
The accessibility of admission allows students to focus on program fit and outcomes rather than admission uncertainty. Prospective students should view Southern Illinois University-Carbondale as an institution where academic preparation and program selection matter more than admission competition.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's published cost of attendance is $29,268 per year, including $13,244 in tuition, $12,114 for room and board, and $1,100 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $16,177 after financial aid, representing savings of $13,091 from the sticker price.
This net price is $2,084 higher than the peer median of $14,093, indicating Southern Illinois University-Carbondale costs somewhat more than similar public institutions. The financial aid system provides substantial support, covering nearly 45% of total costs on average.
Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $12,928 for families earning under $30,000 to $23,582 for those earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure ensures that lower-income students receive the most significant financial assistance.
The cost structure reflects Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's commitment to access while maintaining educational quality. Students and families should focus on net price rather than sticker price when evaluating affordability, as the actual cost varies dramatically based on financial circumstances.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time. Median earnings rise from $43,087 six years after enrollment to $48,158 at eight years and $53,390 at ten years, representing 23.9% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 5,800 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $3,826 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in the 70.3rd percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $49,700, reflecting strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds. Earnings span from $34,030 at the 25th percentile to $77,347 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 25.2% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. Compared to peer institutions, graduates earn $3,274 more annually, demonstrating the value of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's career-focused approach.
Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician.
44 graduates
Computer Science.
32 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
56 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
32 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
18 graduates
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking. Fire Prevention and Safety Technology ranks #1 nationally and #1 in Illinois, producing 44 graduates with median earnings of $104,017 and a perfect value score of 100.0.
Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #1 nationally and #1 in Illinois, graduating 173 students with median earnings of $60,744 and a value score of 100.0. Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology ranks #8 nationally and #1 in Illinois, with 112 graduates earning $70,569 and a value score of 73.1.
Criminology ranks #13 nationally and #1 in Illinois, graduating 75 students with median earnings of $50,711 and a value score of 75.5. Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology ranks #9 nationally and #1 in Illinois, producing 141 graduates with median earnings of $59,650.
Several programs hold top state rankings, reflecting Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's strength in specialized technical and professional fields.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Similar quality tier (#315 ranked) | MA | 92% | $68,804 | #315 | Compare |
State University Of New York At New Paltz Similar quality tier (#318 ranked) | NY | 59% | $58,073 | #318 | Compare |
Eastern Michigan University Similar quality tier in Midwest (#319 ranked) | MI | 81% | $51,793 | #319 | Compare |
University Of Wisconsin-Whitewater Similar quality tier in Midwest (#321 ranked) | WI | 83% | $55,356 | #321 | Compare |
Lamar University Similar quality tier (#323 ranked) | TX | 86% | $49,652 | #323 | Compare |
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This is the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/southern-illinois-university-carbondale/analysis.
