Prospective Students
Southern Illinois University (SIU) has a rich history, strong academic excellence, and a significant community impact. Founded in 1869 as the state's second teacher's college, SIU Carbondale serves as the flagship campus of the Southern Illinois University System. Over the years, SIU has built a reputation for providing quality education and fostering academic excellence.
In addition to its academic contributions, SIU students, faculty, and staff have a long history of actively engaging in Carbondale and the surrounding southern Illinois communities.
The university's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is solid, ensuring that students and faculty from all backgrounds are welcomed and supported.
Current SIU Research
Faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students are actively conducting valuable research at SIU. From using AI to fight crime to understanding animal sensory systems, join us as we discover new knowledge and improve your skills through exciting projects.
Carbondale Named One of the Best Cities for College Students on a Budget
Brokescholar.com analyzed over 1,000 cities across the U.S. and named Carbondale as #14 in the overall “fun and opportunity” rating.
Beautiful Nature Campus
SIU Carbondale has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation for our commitment to effective urban forest management on campus. We have a beautiful 2.2-mile walking path around the campus lake, surrounded by trees.
SIU Cooperative PhD Programs - Carbondale and Edwardsville
The following cooperative Ph.D. programs offer students opportunities to take courses and work with faculty from both the Carbondale and Edwardsville campuses.
- Engineering Science
- Historical Studies
- Pharmacology & Neuroscience (SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, IL)
- Environmental Resources & Policy
- Computer Science
Graduate School Costs and Funding Opportunities
Visit our Tuition and Fees Calculator to help you plan your graduate school budget. Funding opportunities like scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and loans are described on our Funding and Aid webpage.
One way to lower costs is to be admitted with an alternate tuition rate, based on your academic achievement or your homestate. Also, U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are not Illinois residents at the time of admission may apply for Illinoisresidency. See details below.
High Achievers Alternate Tuition Rate
Starting with the Fall 2016 semester, non-resident new first-time graduate students who demonstrate high academic achievement on the GRE, GMAT, or MAT graduate school entrance exams will pay an alternate tuition rate of 1.0 times the current in-state graduate tuition rate.
Great Tuition Deal for Incoming Salukis
Students who are new to SIU and whose permanent home address is in Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, or Wisconsin will pay tuition at an Alternate Tuition Rate, equivalent to the Resident (In-State) rate.
How to Apply for Illinois Residency
Determination of the residency status of each applicant for admission to the University is made at the time of admission. Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may petition for a change to Illinois residency.
Student Resources
Sometimes you aren’t sure who to call or what services are available to meet your needs. The Student Manual and Student Resources is a comprehensive list, collected especially for graduate students and representing supportive services from all over campus and in the Carbondale community.