History
Founded in 1869 as the state’s second teachers college – with a dozen academic departments and an inaugural class of 143 – SIU Carbondale is the flagship campus of the Southern Illinois University System.
Education
SIU embraces a unique tradition of access and opportunity, inclusive excellence, innovation in research and creativity, and outstanding teaching focused on nurturing student success. As a nationally ranked public research university and regional economic catalyst, we create and exchange knowledge to shape future leaders, improve our communities, and transform lives.
Research
SIUC has a number of research centers and institutes, some of which are housed in the individual colleges and some of which are housed in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. In addition, we belong to various research consortia, and several national and international research organizations are headquartered here.
Career
The Career Development Center strives to educate and empower all students and recent alumni with the knowledge to successfully discover and achieve their career goals. This is accomplished through career interest and personality assessments and counseling, comprehensive job search preparedness programs, and creating connections with employers.
Student services
As a central gathering place, the Student Center plays a significant role at SIU by supporting the university’s mission and enhancing the educational experience. We are committed to providing excellence in programs, services, and facilities while serving students and the community in a safe and inclusive environment. Take advantage of our many dining options, the Craft Shop, Bowling & Billiards, and other activities during your days as Salukis and as Alumni. Just as we bring students together, we enjoy bringing the community and the university together. We truly have something for everyone.
Housing services
On-campus living at Southern Illinois University Carbondale can provide an experience to last a lifetime. Residents enjoy meeting new people, making life-long friends, getting involved, interacting with faculty and staff, and much more.
Library services
Morris Library is the main library for the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus. The library holds more than 2.6 million volumes, 36,000 current periodicals and serials, and over 3.6 million microform units. Morris Library also provides access to the statewide automated library system and to an array of electronic sources.
Medical services
Student Health Services is an integral part of Southern Illinois University caring for the health of our culturally diverse students. We provide an integrated and holistic approach to cost-effective healthcare, serving as the student’s medical home away from home.
Campus life
SIU is where brains and heart intersect. Our beautiful campus is home to major opportunities in a number of fields. We welcome students from all walks of life from around the world and pride ourselves on inclusivity.
Sports facilities
Any student who has a great love for alternative sports (e.g. fencing, badminton, boxing, or fishing) and/or a desire for healthy competition should get involved in a sport club. Sport clubs at SIUC offer students the chance to participate in an extracurricular activity, to develop their leadership and teamwork skills, and to find an interest that may not have been offered in their particular high school.
Accreditation
As a whole, SIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Southern Illinois University Overview
Southern Illinois University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 17.8% United States
Top 14.1% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
1451
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 154 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1126 | 1297 | 1451 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
801
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| - | 801 | 801 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Southern Illinois University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
United States Country
Carbondale City
Southern Illinois University Student Reviews & Awards
4
Based on 3 reviews
- 5 Star 1 Review
- 4 Star 1 Review
- 3 Star 1 Review
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
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SDI School offer a thorough learning program, adherent to the professional practice. Teachers are very open to experiment new learning programs and introduce effective techniques. The schools is very well networked with international institutions, and universities.
Normal!
Overall things are going smoothly except the pandemic situation.
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