Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU Carbondale) is a prominent public research university located in Carbondale, Illinois. Established in 1869, it is the flagship institution of the Southern Illinois University system and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly well-known for its strong emphasis on research and practical learning opportunities, providing students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for successful careers. SIU Carbondale's campus is characterized by its beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby Shawnee National Forest, which offers students a unique environment for outdoor activities and recreation.

The university fosters a vibrant campus culture that encourages student engagement and community involvement. With over 300 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and recreational activities, students have numerous opportunities to connect with their peers and develop leadership skills. SIU Carbondale is also recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for students from various backgrounds. The university's athletic teams, known as the Salukis, compete in NCAA Division I sports, promoting school spirit and camaraderie among students. With a dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong focus on student success, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale continues to be a leading institution for higher education in the Midwest.

Trends in Tuition and Student Outcomes at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has experienced notable trends in tuition and student outcomes over the years. Firstly, the tuition costs for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students have steadily increased. For instance, in 2014, in-state tuition was approximately $11,481, while by 2023, it rose to $15,416, marking an increase of about 34%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition increased from $23,356 to $15,416, reflecting a significant rise in the cost of education. This trend aligns with the national narrative of escalating college costs, which can lead to increased student debt and financial strain on families.

In terms of student enrollment, there has been a consistent decline in the number of undergraduate students over the years, dropping from 14,130 in 2013 to just 8,000 in 2023. This decline of approximately 43% raises concerns about the university's attractiveness to prospective students, possibly influenced by rising tuition costs and changing demographics.

Graduation rates have shown a more positive trend. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students improved from 26% in 2013 to 32% in 2023. This increase may indicate that the university has enhanced its academic support services or found effective ways to engage students, fostering a more supportive educational environment.

Finally, retention rates have fluctuated but have generally improved over the years, reaching 70% in 2023. This suggests that while enrollment may be declining, the university is succeeding in keeping students engaged and enrolled once they have started their education. These trends highlight the complex dynamics between tuition costs, student enrollment, and academic outcomes, reflecting broader challenges faced by higher education institutions today.

Analysis of Graduate Data from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

The graduation data from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale for 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends, particularly in the fields of aviation, law, and medicine. In the aviation sector, there were 126 bachelor graduates, with one international student. This indicates a strong focus on aviation programs, likely driven by the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the airline industry. Given the ongoing recovery of the aviation sector post-pandemic, this trend is promising for employment opportunities in this field.

In stark contrast, the law program reported no bachelor graduates but produced a significant 76 doctorate graduates, all domestic. This discrepancy highlights a potential shift in student demographics and interests, with more individuals pursuing advanced degrees rather than undergraduate studies in law. Such a trend might be reflective of the competitive nature of the legal profession, where higher qualifications are increasingly beneficial.

The medical field also shows a robust output, with 69 doctorate graduates, indicating the institution's commitment to producing healthcare professionals amidst a national shortage of medical personnel. This aligns with the broader societal emphasis on health and wellness, and the need for trained professionals is likely to continue growing.

Furthermore, the data indicates minimal participation from international students across various programs, particularly at the master's and doctorate levels. This may suggest barriers to entry for international students in certain fields or a need for the university to enhance its outreach and support for this demographic.

Overall, the graduation data from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale reflects significant trends in professional fields, educational preferences, and potential areas for institutional growth and support.

Trends in Admission Rates and Rankings at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has experienced a notable decline in its national ranking over the years, descending from 226th in 2019 to 288th by 2025. This downward trend may correlate with fluctuating admission rates, which have shown significant variability. For instance, the male admission rate peaked at approximately 90.6% in 2022, while the female admission rate reached around 95.9% in the same year, suggesting a growing accessibility for applicants, particularly for females. The enrollment numbers also reflect these trends. In 2023, the university welcomed 1,518 new students, while denying 831 applications. Despite these high admission rates, the institution may face challenges in maintaining its reputation and attracting prospective students as its ranking declines. The high number of deferred admissions, which reached 7,422 in 2023, could indicate that many applicants are still considering or waiting for better options. This scenario showcases the complexities of university admissions, where increased acceptance does not always translate to positive perceptions of quality or prestige. As competition among universities intensifies, particularly in a post-pandemic environment where enrollment patterns are evolving, institutions like Southern Illinois University-Carbondale must adapt strategies that not only attract students but also enhance their academic standing and overall appeal.

Trends in Admission Test Scores at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

The data from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale over the years reveals interesting trends in standardized test scores and submission rates. From 2007 to 2023, there has been a noticeable fluctuation in the SAT and ACT scores of admitted students. For instance, the SAT reading scores have ranged from a lower end of 410 to a peak of 520, indicating variations in the preparedness of incoming students.

The percentage of students submitting SAT scores has also seen significant changes. Initially, only a small fraction of applicants submitted their SAT scores, but by 2019, this number surged to 75%, suggesting a shift in the applicant pool's approach to standardized testing. This spike could be attributed to increasing awareness of the importance of these scores in the admissions process or a broader cultural shift towards standardized testing in college applications.

Moreover, the trend of ACT score submissions shows a similar pattern, with the percentage fluctuating but ultimately presenting a more competitive landscape over the years. The range of ACT composite scores indicates that the university attracts a diverse array of students, with scores spanning from 25 to 30 in the latest data.

Overall, the data points to a university that is adapting to changing educational standards and applicant behaviors. As colleges increasingly consider a holistic view of applicants, the rising numbers of standardized test submissions could reflect a more competitive admission environment, emphasizing the need for prospective students to be well-prepared for these assessments.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale for 2023

The student demographic data from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 2023 provides insightful information regarding the composition of the student body. A total of 8,000 students are categorized into four main groups: new undergraduates, continuing undergraduates, transfer students, and graduate students. Notably, new undergraduates constitute a significant portion, with 1,518 students, while continuing undergraduates make up the largest group at 5,332 students.

Gender distribution reveals interesting trends; new undergraduates have a slightly higher representation of females (54.3%) compared to males (45.7%), while the continuing undergraduates show a more balanced distribution, with a male percentage of 51.1% and females at 48.9%. The graduate student demographic also reflects a greater female presence at 52.9%, indicating a growing trend of female participation in higher education.

Ethnic diversity is another crucial aspect, particularly among new undergraduates, where white students make up 55.6% of the demographic, followed by a mix of Asian, Hispanic, African American, and international students. This suggests that while there is a predominance of white students, the university is fostering an increasingly diverse environment.

Overall, the data presents a positive outlook on gender equity and ethnic diversity within the student body at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. As educational institutions strive for inclusivity, the trends observed here may reflect broader societal changes towards a more diverse and equitable academic landscape. Continued efforts to support underrepresented groups will be essential for enhancing the educational experience for all students.

Age Composition of Students at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

The age distribution data from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale reveals interesting insights into the demographic composition of its student body. A significant portion of the students falls within the traditional college age range of 18-21, with undergraduates aged 18-19 comprising approximately 41% of total students and those aged 20-21 making up about 35%. This indicates that the university maintains a strong appeal to younger students, particularly fresh high school graduates.

In contrast, the percentage of older students, particularly those aged 25-29 and 30-34, is notably lower, at around 12% and 8% respectively. This trend is reflective of broader national patterns in higher education, where younger students dominate enrollment figures. It is noteworthy that the representation of graduate students remains modest, with the highest age brackets (22-24 and 25-29) showing a slight increase in graduate enrollment, particularly among females.

The data also highlights a gender disparity in enrollment, especially within the younger age groups. For instance, the number of undergraduate females significantly surpasses that of their male counterparts in the 18-19 and 20-21 age categories, suggesting a growing trend of female students pursuing higher education.

Overall, the student age composition at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale indicates a vibrant and youthful academic environment, with a clear focus on catering to younger demographics while also providing opportunities for mature students seeking further education.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

The data from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale reveals significant trends in the enrollment of international students over the years. Notably, the percentage of international undergraduate students has witnessed fluctuations, peaking at 5.28% in 2015 before steadily declining to just 2.30% in 2023. This decline reflects broader challenges faced by U.S. universities in attracting and retaining international students, which can be attributed to factors such as changing immigration policies, the global pandemic, and increased competition from institutions abroad.

In contrast, the graduate student enrollment has shown a more stable pattern, with the percentage of international students consistently hovering around the 20% mark. The highest percentage was observed in 2015 at 24.51%, indicating a healthy interest among international students for graduate programs at the university. This trend is indicative of the growing importance of graduate education among international scholars, who often seek advanced degrees to enhance their career prospects.

The overall decline in total enrollment at the university, particularly among undergraduates, raises concerns about the institution's ability to sustain its diversity and global engagement. As universities across the U.S. grapple with similar challenges, it is crucial for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale to implement strategies that enhance its appeal to international students, such as expanding scholarship opportunities, improving support services, and fostering a welcoming campus environment.

In conclusion, while the university has experienced both ups and downs in international student enrollment, the data underscores the need for ongoing efforts to maintain and grow its diverse student body in the face of external challenges.

Here are some notable universities surrounding Southern Illinois University-Carbondale:

1. Washington University in St Louis - Ranked 21st in the 2025 US News rankings, this prestigious institution is known for its research programs and strong emphasis on community service.

2. Vanderbilt University - With a rank of 18, Vanderbilt is recognized for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - This university ranks 33rd and is one of the leading research universities in the country, known for its engineering and business programs.

4. Saint Louis University - Ranked 105th, this university offers a comprehensive education with a focus on social justice and service-learning.

5. University of Missouri-Columbia - With a ranking of 109, this institution is well-known for its journalism school and diverse research initiatives.

6. Rhodes College - A liberal arts college ranked 59th, Rhodes is recognized for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to the rich academic landscape of the region.

Trends in Campus Crime Rates at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

The crime data from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale reveals a significant decline in crime rates over the last decade. In 2013, the average crime rate was 18.72 incidents per 1,000 students. This figure peaked in 2015 at 29.61 but has since diminished to a mere 6.91 in 2023. Such a drastic drop in crime rates over recent years, especially since 2020, where rates fell to 7.73, indicates a positive trend towards improved campus safety.

Among the various offenses, gun-related arrests and domestic violence incidents appear most frequently in the data, although the specifics are not detailed. Notably, the university recorded a remarkable decline in arrests related to gun possession, which may reflect broader societal changes or effective campus policies aimed at reducing violence.

The reduction in crime rates during the pandemic years could also be attributed to fewer students on campus and changes in social behavior due to health regulations. As colleges and universities navigate post-pandemic realities, it will be vital to maintain these lower crime rates through continued community engagement and safety initiatives.

While the data presents a generally promising outlook, the university must remain vigilant and proactive to ensure that these trends continue. Addressing underlying issues related to substance abuse and domestic violence will be crucial in fostering a safe educational environment. For further understanding of how crime rates are calculated, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.