Your chances of getting into Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Southern Illinois University is 90.4%. Its admission rate is the 48th lowest in Illinois.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Southern Illinois University and can you get accepted?
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 9,407 out of the 10,401 who applied were admitted.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale typically accepts and 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. 17% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into Southern Illinois University?
90% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Southern Illinois University Carbondale you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.24 or better
- Earn B grades in high school
- Score 1030 on the SAT
- Score 23 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top half of your high school class
Southern Illinois University GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Southern Illinois University Carbondale?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into Southern Illinois University are to have around a 3.24 high school GPA. You need about average high school grades.
If your high school grades are above the average 3.24 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Southern Illinois University accepts 90% of applicants.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at Southern Illinois University is 3.24 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #44 in Illinois for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since Southern Illinois University is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.2 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
Southern Illinois University SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Southern Illinois University Carbondale. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 36% of students submitted SAT scores and 11% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 470 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 440 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 910 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 580 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 560 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1140 |
| Average SAT Score | 1030
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Southern Illinois University Carbondale?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at Southern Illinois University is 1030 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 910-1140. Students who get into Southern Illinois University Carbondale score in the top 76 percent of all SAT test takers.. Southern Illinois University ranks #36 in the state of Illinois for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1030 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Southern Illinois University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 910 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 910, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 790, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1030 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2023 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1025, you have around a 90% chance of being admitted. A 1140 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 94% chance of getting in.
Southern Illinois University ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 20 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 18 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 20 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 27 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 25 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 27 |
| Average ACT Score | 23
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Southern Illinois University?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to Southern Illinois University is 23, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 20 and 27. The school ranks #29 in Illinois for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 23. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 20 and score in the score in the top 49 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 16.
11 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Southern Illinois University Carbondale is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2023 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into Southern Illinois University for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 23 score has around 90% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 95% with a 27 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
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.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 16% |
| Top 25% of class | 38% |
| Top 50% of class | 69% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 6,157 | 4,235 | 10,401 |
| Accepted | 5,604 | 3,797 | 9,407 |
| Acceptance Rate | 91% | 90% | 90% |
| Enrolled | 905 | 713 | 1,621 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 16% | 19% | 17% |
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Southern Illinois University Carbondale is $40.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Southern Illinois University Carbondale and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required to be considered for admission |
| Recommendations | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | Yes |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because Southern Illinois University Carbondale is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.24 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1030 and ACT of 23 will almost guarantee your admission.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Southern Illinois University Carbondale often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=149222 IPEDS survey data for Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Last updated February 24, 2025