Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois · Public · 86.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 60/100 · Fair Value
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale scores 60 (Fair Value) on the CampusROI scale. SIU-Carbondale is a public doctoral research university with 8,494 students in downstate Illinois. In-state tuition is $13,334 and net price is $13,297 -- essentially equal to sticker, indicating limited need-based aid relative to cost. Median 6-year earnings of $36,700 and a 10.5-year payback are middling. Completion rate of 62.4% is below average and the repayment rate of 64.2% is among the weakest in the dataset, suggesting many graduates carry debt that limits repayment progress. Pell rate of 38.8% indicates substantial low-income enrollment. The program breadth is wide: Fire Protection (36 grads, A, $104,017 yr1) and Industrial Production Technologies (57 grads, B+, $73,283 yr1) are the top earners. Engineering programs (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Computer Engineering) cluster in the B+ range with year-one earnings of $65-70k. Aviation (171 grads, C+, $44,063 yr1 rising to $81,394 yr4) is a notable track. At the weak end, Film/Video ($21,322 yr1, D grade), English (F grade, debt-to-earnings 1.098), Apparel and Textiles (F grade, 1.228), and Genetics ($23,366 yr1, D) face serious financial challenges.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $13,334/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $13,334/yr |
| Average net price | $13,297/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $53,188 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,390 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $36,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,543 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $228 |
| Estimated payback period | 10.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 62.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 8,494 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is $13,334/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $13,297/year, or roughly $53,188 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,415/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $23,254/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,543 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $228 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $53,390 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.59 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,415 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,497 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,308 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,724 |
| $110,001+ | $23,254 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $9,415 per year. Against $36,700 median 6-year earnings and a 10.5-year payback, the low-income case works for students in fire protection, engineering, and aviation. The 62.4% completion rate and 64.2% repayment rate indicate systemic challenges for the student population. Low-income students entering humanities, arts, or social science tracks face serious financial risk at any price.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $10,308 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $17,724. At $17,724, upper-middle-income families are paying a moderate amount for a public institution. The financial case is sound for technical and professional programs and challenged for liberal arts tracks. Program selection is the most important financial variable at SIU-C.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The 110001-plus bracket pays $23,254 per year -- relatively low for a public but substantial given $36,700 median earnings. High-income families who choose SIU-C are typically doing so for a specific program (aviation, fire protection, engineering) rather than general brand considerations. The earnings data supports that approach.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Air Transportation | $81,394 | C+ |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $67,961 | B |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $79,299 | B+ |
| Accounting | $70,478 | B |
| Psychology | $48,728 | D |
| Teacher Education | $48,127 | C |
| Political Science and Government | $52,916 | C |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $80,220 | B |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $87,442 | B+ |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $61,807 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Fire Protection
Fire Protection (36 graduates) earns $104,017 year one and $108,135 at year four, with an A grade (debt-to-earnings 0.170, median debt $17,725). Year-one earnings of $104k are exceptional for this program type, reflecting placement into fire protection engineering, safety management, and fire investigator roles. SIU-Carbondale is one of the few universities offering a bachelor's in Fire Protection -- a niche credential with strong public safety employment demand in Illinois and nationally.
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Industrial Production Technologies (57 graduates) earns $73,283 year one and $87,442 at year four, with a B+ grade (debt-to-earnings 0.300, median debt $22,000). These are strong outcomes for a technical production credential, reflecting Midwest manufacturing and industrial employment. Year-one earnings of $73k are among the top reportable figures at SIU-C and the debt ratio is well-managed at a public net price.
Computer Science
Computer Science (23 graduates) earns $70,053 year one and $91,299 at year four, with a B grade (debt-to-earnings 0.385, median debt $27,000). Year-one earnings are solid for a regional public CS program. The debt of $27,000 is elevated relative to the $13,297 net price, suggesting debt accumulation above annual costs. The four-year trajectory to $91k is strong and consistent with software and systems roles in Illinois and St. Louis.
Air Transportation
Air Transportation (171 graduates) earns $44,063 year one and $81,394 at year four, with a C+ grade (debt-to-earnings 0.465, median debt $20,500). Year-one aviation earnings are suppressed relative to the longer-term figure due to the structure of commercial aviation careers: first-officer roles pay modestly before airline advancement. The four-year jump to $81k reflects first officer progression into higher-paying regional and major carrier positions. SIU-C's aviation program is a recognized feeder into commercial aviation careers.
English Language and Literature
English Language and Literature (23 graduates) earns $24,145 year one and $37,786 at year four, with an F grade (debt-to-earnings 1.098, median debt $26,500). Year-one earnings are far below the annual debt obligation. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.098 means graduates owe more in debt than they earn annually in the first year. English at a regional public with limited career placement infrastructure is a poor financial choice by this data.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 59.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 64.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 57.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 64.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 86.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 430-570 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 470-590 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-25 |
| Enrollment | 8,494 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 38.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,501 |
At 86.9%, SIU-Carbondale is broadly accessible. SAT 430-570 Math and 470-590 Reading reflects a below-average to average academic profile. ACT 18-25 composite. Admissions is not a meaningful competitive barrier. For most Illinois students, the choice is not whether to get in but whether the specific program and campus fit are worth the cost compared to alternatives like Illinois State or Western Illinois.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Scorecard peers include Eastern Illinois University, Bridgewater State University, and Louisiana Tech University. SIU-Carbondale's ROI of 60 is consistent with regional public universities in mid-tier markets. The repayment rate of 64.2% is a structural weakness shared with institutions serving high-debt, lower-earnings populations. Louisiana Tech (ROI roughly 68) has a stronger engineering focus that drives higher average outcomes. Among Illinois publics, SIU-C's ROI lags University of Illinois-Chicago and Illinois State, which serve larger metro markets with stronger employment proximity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (this school) | 60 | $13,297 | $53,390 |
| Louisiana Tech University | 64 | $11,864 | $52,279 |
| Empire State University | 61 | $11,676 | $54,080 |
| Bridgewater State University | 59 | $16,383 | $57,466 |
| Eastern Illinois University | 54 | $12,786 | $51,989 |
| Chicago State University | 16 | $12,335 | $42,778 |
Who Thrives Here
SIU-Carbondale admits 86.9% of applicants. SAT mid-ranges are 430-570 Math and 470-590 Reading; ACT 18-25. Enrollment of 8,494 is mid-sized. The institution serves downstate Illinois students and regional Midwest students seeking affordable public university access. The Carbondale campus is rural and somewhat isolated -- 100 miles from St. Louis and 300 miles from Chicago. Students who thrive here are typically drawn to specific professional programs: aviation, engineering, health sciences, and agriculture are strong tracks. Students entering humanities or arts programs face difficult financial outcomes by the data.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $13,297 per year leads to $53,188 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $53,390 a decade out. The payback period of 10.5 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates. However, the data also shows concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $21,543 against $53,390 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.