Is SIUC worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
SIUC is ranked #1,405 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C+ (above average for value). Within Illinois, it ranks #64 of 112 for value.
These SIUC majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Applied Horticulture/Horticultural Business Services, Other | #1 of 2 |
| General Funeral Service & Mortuary Science | #2 of 5 |
| Soil Science & Agronomy, General | #4 of 8 |
| Electronic / Computer Technology | #4 of 5 |
| Funeral & Mortuary Science | #4 of 7 |
| Soil Sciences | #5 of 10 |
| Agriculture | #5 of 10 |
| Horticulture | #6 of 14 |
| Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician | #6 of 11 |
| Mechanics | #6 of 11 |
Below is the detailed SIUC value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is ranked #47 out of #129 in Illinois for quality and #64 out of #112 for Illinois value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the SIUC financial aid page to be sure.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is ranked #1,405 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is priced appropriately for the quality of education it provides, making it a fair value according to College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at SIUC costs about $15,785. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $63,141 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $27,934 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $13,297 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $15,785 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,141 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about SIUC net price and the factors that affect it.
What SIUC costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a SIUC degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $111,736 | — | — |
| All Students | $63,141 | #1,405 | C+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $53,188 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $111,736 | — | — |
| All Students | $63,141 | #64 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $53,188 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at SIUC shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $12,928 |
| $30K–$48K | $12,082 |
| $48K–$75K | $13,206 |
| $75K–$110K | $22,819 |
| Over $110K | $23,582 |
About 83% of SIUC undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $13,341 per year. Get more details on the SIUC financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the SIUC net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.