Exploring Southern Illinois University's Student Population

Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a public research university in Carbondale, Illinois. Founded in 1869, it is the oldest and flagship campus of the Southern Illinois University system. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including 120 undergraduate majors, over 200 specializations, and more than 100 minors. In addition, SIU provides various professional degrees, such as law and medicine, and its programs are classified among R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity. In recent years, SIU has seen fluctuations in its student enrollment numbers, with an overall increase in enrollment in the fall of 2023. As of fall 2023, the total undergraduate enrollment at SIU is 8,195 students, with a total enrollment of 11,107 students across all programs.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale's total student population in 2023

Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) is a public research university in Carbondale, Illinois. SIU offers a wide range of programs, combining a strong liberal arts tradition with a focus on research. The university enrolls students from diverse backgrounds, representing all 50 states and over 100 countries.

In terms of total student population in 2023, SIU Carbondale saw an overall enrollment of 11,359 students for the fall semester. This number included 8,195 registered undergraduate students and 3,164 graduate students. The gender distribution among the undergraduate students was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.

The enrollment figures for 2023 represent a significant milestone for SIU Carbondale, as it was the first time since 2014 that the university experienced an increase in student numbers. The 2.3% growth in enrollment was the largest among public state universities in Illinois and marked the third consecutive increase in the number of freshmen, transfer, and graduate students.

SIU Carbondale's total student population in 2023 also included a residential student population that had risen by 5.5%. Additionally, the university witnessed an increase in new graduate and professional students (11.8%), international students (6.5%), and undergraduate students from the Southern Illinois region (7.2%).

SIU Carbondale offers a variety of academic programs and is committed to providing access and opportunity to students. The university comprises a diverse range of colleges and schools, including the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, the College of Arts and Media, the College of Business and Analytics, and the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, among others.

With its rich history, dating back to its founding in 1869, SIU Carbondale continues to be a prominent educational institution in Illinois, attracting students from across the nation and the world.

Undergraduate enrolment in fall 2023

Undergraduate enrolment at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in fall 2023 was 8,195. This was an increase of 6.8% from the previous year, with 1,621 new freshmen starting their college careers at SIU—a rise of 103 students from 2022. This was the fourth consecutive year that SIU had increased its freshman class, a feat not achieved in the previous 50 years.

The overall enrollment at SIU for fall 2023 was 11,359, an increase of 252 students or 2.3% from the previous year. This was the highest boost in student numbers in 21 years and the highest percentage increase in over 30 years. The university also saw a 10.8% increase in new transfer students, with 1,188 students taking advantage of the Saluki Step Ahead agreements signed with community colleges in Illinois, Missouri, and Texas.

SIU's enrollment growth can be attributed to several factors, including increased marketing and advertising efforts, as well as the university's focus on providing access to higher education and removing barriers for students. The university's commitment to closing financial gaps through initiatives like the Saluki Commitment and Saluki Transfer Commitment has also played a significant role in attracting more students.

SIU's enrollment growth is a positive development, and the university is on track to reach its goal of 15,000 students by 2030, as set out in the Imagine 2030 strategic plan.

Graduate enrolment in spring 2024

Graduate enrolment at Southern Illinois University (SIU) for spring 2024 is expected to rise by 3.48% compared to the previous year. This follows a successful fall semester that saw the university's first enrolment growth since 2014. The total number of students pursuing their degrees at SIU this spring is 10,525, a significant increase from the previous year.

SIU is a public research university located in Carbondale, Illinois, and is the oldest and flagship campus of the Southern Illinois University system. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including graduate degrees that have been available since 1950. SIU's graduate programs cater to a diverse range of disciplines, combining a strong liberal arts tradition with a focus on research.

The university's spring 2024 enrolment growth is attributed to strategic efforts to attract students and help them succeed from orientation to graduation. SIU has implemented initiatives such as strengthening the first-year experience, launching support programs, and providing proactive academic advising. These efforts have resulted in an increase in graduate enrolment, contributing to the overall positive enrolment trend at the university.

SIU's graduate programs are well-regarded and attract students from various backgrounds. The university's research partnerships, including those with renowned organisations, enhance the graduate experience and provide opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research. The university's focus on graduate studies is evident, and it is committed to providing students with access to higher education and removing barriers to their success.

With its spring 2024 enrolment rise, SIU continues to build on its strong foundation and foster a vibrant and diverse graduate community. The university's efforts to support graduate students and its commitment to academic excellence position it as a leading institution for graduate studies in the region.

Racial demographics of students

Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a public research university in Carbondale, Illinois. It enrols students from all 50 states and over 100 countries, with a total enrollment of approximately 11,366 students, comprising 6,796 undergraduates and 1,879 graduate students. The university has a diverse student body, with a medium level of racial diversity.

The racial and ethnic breakdown of the student population at Southern Illinois University varies across sources. One source reports the following breakdown for undergraduate students only:

• Black/African American: 22.5%
• Hispanic/Latino: 9.9%
• Two or more races: 6.0%
• Non-resident aliens (international students): 3.9%

Another source reports that 36% of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC), while a third source states that 28% of students are racial/ethnic minorities.

The university has a predominantly White student population, with a smaller Black population. The exact percentage of Black students is unclear, but one source reports that enrollment among Black students increased by 5.39% in the spring of 2024.

In addition to the racial/ethnic minorities mentioned, the university also has a population of Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students, although the exact number is not specified.

SIU has a diverse international student population, with students from over 90 to 100 countries. The majority of international students come from India, Saudi Arabia, China, South Korea, and Nigeria, among other countries. The presence of these international communities on campus is supported by various resources and programs, such as the Center for International Education and cultural student organizations.

Undergraduate tuition fees

Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a public research university in Carbondale, Illinois. It is the oldest and flagship campus of the Southern Illinois University system.

SIU offers a variety of financial aid options to its students. The tuition fees for the 2024-25 academic year are $13,334 for both in-state and out-of-state students. This is higher than the national average cost of in-state tuition ($12,201) but lower than the national average for out-of-state tuition ($29,084).

The total cost, including tuition, fees, food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, is $30,185 for both in-state and out-of-state students. The net price, which is the average cost after aid and scholarships, is $16,309 for in-state students and $23,763 for out-of-state students receiving need-based aid.

SIU also offers need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students is $13,543, and 75% of first-year students received this type of aid in the fall of 2022. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant is $4,990, awarded based on talent or academic achievement.

Additionally, SIU has a Legacy Tuition Rate, where children of SIU Carbondale graduates pay only 80% of the applicable tuition rate. Students can also apply for reclassification as an in-state student for tuition purposes if they meet certain criteria.

SIU also offers federal loans and work-study programs as part of its need-based self-help aid. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $4,398.

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