Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's published cost of attendance is $28,329, but need-based aid meaningfully reduces what most families pay. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $9,415, while middle-income families pay around $10,308, and higher-income families pay approximately $23,254.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,329 |
| Tuition and Fees | $13,334 |
| Room and Board | $12,341 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$15,032 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,297 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,415 |
| $30–48k | $8,497 |
| $48–75k | $10,308 |
| $75–110k | $17,724 |
| $110k+ | $23,254 |
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's published cost of attendance is $28,329, but need-based aid meaningfully reduces what most families pay. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $9,415, while middle-income families pay around $10,308, and higher-income families pay approximately $23,254. Azimuth ranks Southern Illinois University-Carbondale #304 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and Illinois-based need-based aid. The gap between sticker price and net price is most pronounced for lower-income families, where grant and scholarship dollars close a meaningful share of the cost — a pattern common among public universities with strong access missions. Families are encouraged to review the to understand how published costs compare with what students actually pay. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $21,543, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $19,500; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $61,484, median federal debt of $21,543 projects to a monthly payment of about $243 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale earn median 4-year earnings of $61,484, placing Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in the 51.7 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $3,752 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 72.5 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Southern Illinois University-Carbondale #658 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Air Transportation reports 150 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $81,394, ranked #12 nationally in its major. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas reports 120 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $67,961, ranked #7 nationally in its major. Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians reports 89 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $79,299, ranked #20 nationally in its major. Criminology reports 75 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $52,916, ranked #31 nationally in its major.
