Southern Illinois University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL with University of California Merced in Merced, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than UC Merced based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 9,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or UC Merced? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than UC Merced ($13,473 vs. $13,690).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 42.5% lower than at University of California Merced ($12,341 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 17.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $2,289 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 273.7% higher at UC Merced than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $36,489 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at University of California Merced (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 100.5% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($27,292 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Illinois University or UC Merced? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UC Merced and Southern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California Merced (1050) is 20 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at UC Merced (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Merced students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• UC Merced has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Southern Illinois University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and UC Merced? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of California Merced's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $2,601 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($19,899 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($205 vs. $232).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.