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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale typically score 910-1,140 on the SAT, with a median of 1060. The middle 50% range shows most enrolled students fall between these scores, though students with scores outside this range are regularly admitted. SAT Math scores typically range from 440-560, while SAT Verbal scores range from 470-580. ACT scores span 20-27 with a median of 24, reflecting solid academic preparation among enrolled students. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1090, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale enrolled students score 30 points lower on average, which is typical for institutions with higher acceptance rates. These test score ranges indicate that students with average to above-average academic preparation will find themselves competitive for admission. Students scoring below the 25th percentile (910 SAT, 20 ACT) should not be discouraged from applying, as the high acceptance rate means many students with lower scores are successfully admitted. The academic profile shows Southern Illinois University-Carbondale serves students across a wide range of academic backgrounds, from those seeking additional academic support to high achievers attracted by specific programs. Students should consider whether their academic preparation aligns with this range when evaluating institutional fit and support needs.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale enrolls 36.6% Pell-eligible students and 35.3% first-generation students, indicating the university serves a substantial population of students from lower-income and first-generation backgrounds. Transfer students comprise 43.8% of enrollment, reflecting the university's strong commitment to providing pathways for community college graduates and students changing institutions. This composition suggests Southern Illinois University-Carbondale prioritizes educational access and serves as a destination for students seeking second chances or alternative pathways to degree completion. The high transfer share indicates robust articulation agreements with community colleges and support systems for students transitioning from other institutions. Geographic diversity reflects the university's role as a regional institution serving southern Illinois and surrounding states. This student body composition creates a diverse learning environment where traditional and non-traditional students learn alongside each other. First-generation students should know that more than one-third of enrolled students share their background, suggesting strong institutional support systems. Students from lower-income families should consider the substantial Pell share when assessing fit and community. Transfer applicants should note the significant transfer enrollment, indicating the institution's experience supporting students transitioning from other colleges.
Given Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's 90.4% acceptance rate, admission is likely for most academically prepared students. However, students seeking additional options or different characteristics may consider these alternatives.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
68.7% of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale freshmen return for sophomore year, which is below the peer median of 73.2%, indicating some students face adjustment challenges in their first year. However, 56.3% graduate within six years, compared to a peer median of 49.3%, showing the university performs better than similar institutions in degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at 48.5%, representing a 7.8 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap is larger than at some institutions but reflects common challenges facing lower-income students in higher education. The graduation rate above peer median suggests that students who persist through the first year typically find the academic and support systems they need to complete their degrees. Students considering Southern Illinois University-Carbondale should expect to find support systems designed for diverse academic backgrounds, given the substantial first-generation and transfer populations. The retention and completion data indicate that while some students may struggle initially, those who engage with campus resources and find their academic fit tend to succeed. Prospective students should plan to actively engage with academic advising, tutoring services, and peer networks, particularly during the crucial first year. The better-than-peer completion rate suggests that students who choose to remain at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale typically find pathways to graduation success.
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