With all the brains of a nationally recognized research university and the heart of a small liberal arts college, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is among Illinois' most comprehensive public universities with an outstanding reputation nationwide. As the flagship campus of the Southern Illinois University system, SIU Carbondale is categorized as a research university with high research activity by the prestigious Carnegie Foundation. Home to more than 18,500 undergraduate and 4,500 graduate students, SIU is situated on a vast 1,136-acre rural campus in the rolling hills of Carbondale alongside the Mississippi within miles of the Missouri border.
From its humble beginnings as the state’s second teachers college founded in 1869, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale began with twelve academic departments and an inaugural class of just 143 students. After it continued to be primarily a state-supported normal school for more than 70 years, Delyte W. Morris took office as the longest-serving university and transformed SIU Carbondale. Nearly tripling in size by 1980, the Southern Illinois University flagship campus is now an elite institution of higher education with over 200 degree programs.
Consistently named as one of the "Best of the Midwest" by the Princeton Review, SIU Carbondale is currently ranked as the 177th best college, 98th top public school, and 46th top university for military veterans in the entire United States by the U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, the university has been ranked within the top four percent of institutions in the nation by the National Science Foundation. Offering associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree options, the highest ranking programs are in business administration, finance, automotive technology, American philosophy, aviation, zoology, law, and medicine.
Nicknamed the Salukis in honor of the royal Egyptian dog breed, Southern Illinois University Carbondale sponsors 16 high-achieving varsity teams in basketball, cross country, golf, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball within the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). For those who are not athletically inclined, SIU Carbondale is home to more than 400 registered student organizations, including the oldest student security team in the nation. Some of the most notable former Salukis include comedian James Belushi, basketball Hall of Famer Walt Frazier, NFL quarterback Jim Hart, astronaut John Higginbotham, bassist Darryl Jones, wrestler Randy Savage, and author Jackie Spinner.
Total undergraduate enrollment: 17788
Total institution enrollment: 22552
School type: 4-year public
School classification: Doctoral/Research Universities--Extensive: These institutions typically offer a wide range of baccalaureate programs, and they are committed to graduate education through the doctorate. They award 50 or more doctoral degrees per year across at least 15 Disciplines.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Faner Hall 2179
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 453-2121
WebsiteMale undergraduate population: 57%
Female undergraduate population: 43%
Undergrad visible minorities: No Data
Degrees Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's, Post-Masters certificate, Doctor's, First-professional degree, First-professional certificate