Southern Illinois University Admission Requirements
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- 4 Year
- Carbondale, IL
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Southern Illinois University Admission Overview
Southern Illinois University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year Southern Illinois University admitted 86.9% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.24 GPA (B+) and SAT 900-1160 / ACT 18-25. Southern Illinois University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Southern Illinois University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
Southern Illinois University Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Very Low
Admission difficulty for Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Acceptance Rate
The Southern Illinois University acceptance rate is 86.9%. Last year, 9,433 of 10,858 applicants were admitted. That is the 43rd lowest acceptance rate in Illinois.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Southern Illinois University and can you get accepted?
Southern Illinois University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale typically attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.24. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 19% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Southern Illinois University GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.24Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
B+Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.24
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at Southern Illinois University typically have around a 3.24 GPA (B+) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have about average high school grades. Southern Illinois University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
The school ranks #43 in Illinois for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.2 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
Southern Illinois University SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
900-1160Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
37%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 470
- Math 430
- Composite 900
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 590
- Math 570
- Composite 1160
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at Southern Illinois University typically score around a 1030 SAT (middle 50% 900–1160) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 45th percentile nationally. Southern Illinois University ranks #34 in the state of Illinois for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 900 to 1160
SAT policy
Southern Illinois University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1030 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Southern Illinois University ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
18-25Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
8%25th Percentile Scores
- English 16
- Math 17
- Composite 18
75th Percentile Scores
- English 25
- Math 25
- Composite 25
Average ACT
Incoming testers at Southern Illinois University typically have around a 21 ACT (mid-50 18–25) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 57th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Southern Illinois University places #39 among colleges in Illinois for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 18 to 25
ACT policy
You may apply to Southern Illinois University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 21.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
High School Class Rank
Class Rank of Admitted Students
69% of Southern Illinois University Carbondale freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 38% are in the top quarter.
Data Source, Peterson's Data
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the Southern Illinois University chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Southern Illinois University Carbondale and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Southern Illinois University Carbondale is $40.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
Southern Illinois University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 86.9% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.24 GPA (about an B+ average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (900-1160); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Southern Illinois University Carbondale often consider these colleges
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Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=149222.
GPA calculator: Southern Illinois University Carbondale GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026