A public research university situated in Carbondale, Southern Illinois University deems to be the oldest campus of the Southern Illinois University system. By awarding degrees to students from over 100 countries overseas, the university has become a buzzing hub of students willing to pursue their higher education in the US.

Southern Illinois University offers admissions in bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. programs along with professional degrees in architecture, law, and medicine to choose from. Thus, by integrating a liberal education that teaches students to read intelligently, think critically, and write effectively, Southern Illinois University is leading and serving with its motto.

The total enrollment of the university is 12, 817 of which the undergraduate enrollment of the university is 9,552 and the total graduate enrollment of the university is 3,265. The acceptance rate of the university is 72%.

Being moderately selective with its applicants, the university has rolling admission intake with application requirements being above average grade along with good co-curricular participation.

Highlights

College Type Public University
Foundation 1869
Location Carbondale, Illinois
Campus Setting Suburban
No. of Campus 02
International Students 33.6%
Acceptance Rate 66.4%
Mode of Program Full-Time, Part-Time, Online
Student: Faculty 14:1
Academic Pattern Semester- based
Graduation Rate 63.1%
Financial Aid Scholarships, Financial Aid, Loans
Helpdesk Tel: (618) 453 2121 Email: admissions@siu.edu

Southern Illinois University Ranking 

Known worldwide for its vocational and agricultural studies programs, Southern Illinois University has been ranked multiple times among the top world universities by various educational publications and agencies.

A recent glance at ranking highlights of Southern Illinois University is listed below:

  • #224 in US College Ranking 2023 by Times Higher Education 2023
  • #258 in National Universities by US News 2023
  • #126 in Top Public Schools by US News 2023
  • #181 in Top Undergraduate Engineering Programs by US News 2023
  • #243 in Top Performers on Social Mobility by US News 2023
  • #49 in Best College for Agricultural Science in America by Niche 2023

Southern Illinois University Campus & Accommodation

The main campus of SIU is located in College Town and it has been designed and built with colourful and contemporary campuses for both living and learning. Starting with a welcoming community, the student centre at SIU is proud to be the largest student union in the country. With the latest learning technologies, space, and lighting, the classrooms at Southern Illinois University provide an evolving learning environment.

Not leaving the Morris Library, which is the main library of the university located in the heart of campus and holds more than 4 million volumes and access to the nationwide automated library system. The university also offers its students a Recreational Centre that aims at intramural and fitness activities for students. Connected to the Student Recreation Center on the east side of campus, is the Health Centre. Spread over 57,000-square-feet, it includes a pharmacy, wellness resources, psychiatry clinic, and so much more.

Know what students have to say about Southern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University Accommodation 

Southern Illinois University offers its students a variety of on-campus housing options that include residence halls and apartments for admitted undergraduate and graduate students along with their parents or domestic partners.

There are two main residence hall areas that have been made available, each with a commons building containing a dining hall, known as East Campus and West Campus. The residence hall has been constructed traditionally with the contract including a furnished room, WiFi facility, cable facility, utilities, and a dining plan for the students who opt to stay here. The residence hall rooms that are finally given are fully furnished, moreover, many of them have even been modified to meet the needs of specific types of disabilities that some students may have.

For students who wish to choose apartment housing in the US, there are three options available to them. The apartments offered by Southern Illinois University are Evergreen Terrace, Elizabeth Apartments, and Wall & Grand. These comprise of 1, 2 and 3- bedroom flats and accommodates up to 130 students at a time.

Southern Illinois University Programs

Southern Illinois University has a wide selection of more than 300 academic programs that offer students degrees such as undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, post-baccalaureate certificates, and such.

  • The SIU offers 200+ undergraduate programs in the academic areas including animal sciences, life sciences, biological sciences, humanities and arts, aviation and technology, geology, psychology, public health, horticulture and much more varies areas.
  • The post-graduate degree programs include business and administration, health sciences, food and nutrition, kinesiology, linguistics, zoology, workforce and development, and such.
  • The programs are designed to offer academic knowledge and excellence along with their impact on global problems.

Southern Illinois University Admission Process

How to Apply: International applicants can apply through the Baylor Online Application Portal where the form is available in PDF format
Application Fee: USD 40

Specific requirements: All the academic records/transcripts from the previously attended institution(s) can be mailed from your high school in a sealed and signed envelope or sent digitally through a secure electronic source and Declaration and Certification of Financial Support and Account Verification Forms

Additional requirements: Copy of the Biographic Page of the Passport, Bank Statement, ID Proof, Insurance documentation, Valid student Visa.

Application Deadline: The applicants can submit their applications to Southern Illinois University at any time of the year.

English Proficiency Requirements 

International students who want to pursue a bachelor’s or master's at Southern Illinois University need to submit the scores of English Proficiency Tests. The minimum required scores to seek admissions at Southern Illinois University is mentioned below:

English Proficiency Test Minimum Required Score (Undergraduate Programs) Minimum Required Score (Masters Programs)
TOEFL IBT 68- above 80- above
TOEFL PBT 520- above 550- above
ITEP 4.0- above 5.0- above
IELTS 6.0- above 6.5- above
Duolingo English Test 95- above 95- above
Cambridge English Exam C1 + C1 +

Southern Illinois University Cost of Attendance

Prospective international candidates have to plan their finance in accordance with their program tuition fee and the type of accommodation preferences at the campus. The cost of attendance at Southern Illinois University is as follows:

Type of Expense Amount
International Undergraduate Tuition Fee $26,000
International Graduate Fee $30,000
Living Expense $14,000

Know Estimating budget for International Students to Study in the U.S.

Southern Illinois University Financial Aid/ Scholarships

Southern Illinois offers international students scholarships to afford their study in the USA. On completing the Scholarship Participation Agreement, students at the Southern Illinois University can avail one of the following Scholarships: The following are the scholarships along with their eligibility criteria and award:

Scholarship Eligibility Award
High Achievers Alternate Tuition Rate International Freshman student with SAT/ ACT score of 1240/ 26 Tuition Fee: $15,000
Legacy Tuition Rate International students whose parents/ guardians have been graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. 80% of the applicable tuition rate.

Besides these, international students can also obtain work- referrals Center for International Education through the university office and hold an on-campus job (international students cannot work off-campus without special permission). In addition, international students can also apply for financial aid through FAFSA to determine their eligibility and avail of the funds.

Southern Illinois University Placement

The university has a moderate graduation rate of 63% and candidates getting their education at Southern Illinois University are actively recruited by excellent companies, organizations, and employers in the US. The companies actively employing Southern Illinois University include The Boeing Company, U.S. Air Force, SWS Technology partners, and U.S. navy among many others.

A quick glance at the Southern Illinois University graduates and alumni working as professionals in various sectors (as per emolument.com):

Job Position Average Salary in USD
Financial Services 205,000
Financial Control and Strategy 118,000
Marketing Product and Communication 63,000

A glance at the Southern Illinois University graduates getting salary/year depending on their degree and qualification (as per emolument.com):

Degree/Qualification Average Salary in USD
MBA 123,000
Bachelors of Science 100,000
Bachelors of Arts 40,000

The maximum paying degree at the Southern Illinois University is MBA degree worth an annual average salary of 123,000 USD and Bachelors of Arts students are at the lowest with an annual average income of 40,000 USD, whereas looking at the employment sector, the financial services division benefits at a hefty average annual salary of 205,000 USD and the marketing product and communication is at the lowest with 63,000 USD annually.

Check Jobs after MS in the USA: Top Recruiters, ROI for Top Universities, Highest Paying Jobs and Provinces

Southern Illinois University Alumni

Southern Illinois University has a very distinguished alumni association comprising of 250,000 alumni from every state in the US and more than 100 countries.

The association caters to the needs of graduates and students, organizing events, reunions, and various fund raising events for their alma matter.

Few notable alumni of Southern Illinois University are Hannibal Buress (famous stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer), Darryl Jones (bassist of The Rolling Stones), Albert E. Mead (former Governor of Washington).

Prospective international candidates must submit proof of assured financial resources sufficient to pay for their entire first year of tuition fees, and living expenses to confirm their admission at Southern Illinois University.

Also, degree programs are very selective and have distinguishing admission procedures that may require candidates to apply 9 months to a year in advance in order to be considered.

Therefore, candidates must apply at the earliest to ensure adequate time for consideration of application and funding for their education at Southern Illinois University.

FAQs

Ques. Is Southern Illinois University good?

Ans. Known worldwide for its vocational and agricultural studies programs, Southern Illinois University has been ranked multiple times among the top world universities by popular educational websites such as Times Higher Education, US News, and Niche.

Ques. Do I need SAT/ ACT test scores while applying for programs at Southern Illinois University?

Ans. No, candidates do not need SAT/ ACT test scores for their admission but certain scholarships require these standard test scores for eligibility of candidates.

Ques. How much GPA do I need while applying for programs at Southern Illinois University?

Ans. Southern Illinois University requires candidates to have an average GPA of 2.75 while applying for programs.

Ques. Is it difficult to get accepted at Southern Illinois University?

Ans. Southern Illinois University has a moderate acceptance rate of 66.3% requiring an above-average academic profile along with active co-curricular participation from their applicants.

Ques. Does Southern Illinois University offer scholarships/ financial aids to international students?

Ans. Yes, Southern Illinois University offers approximately $69 grant every year offering international students scholarships and financial opportunities to fund their education.

Ques. Does Southern Illinois University offer dual degree programs?

Ans. Yes, the university has a wide selection of programs including dual degree programs.

Ques. Does Southern Illinois University offer housing/ residence to international students?

Ans. Yes, Southern Illinois University has various housing options including residence halls, apartments, and community living center and candidates can choose any depending on their lifestyle preferences.

Ques. What are the popular programs among international students at Southern Illinois University?

Ans. The academic programs popular among international students are business, management, marketing, engineering technologies and engineering-related fields, health professional programs.

Ques. What is the class size at Southern Illinois University?

Ans. Southern Illinois University has small class size with student: faculty ratio of 14: 1.