Reported for fall 2024: Test-optional
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale told the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional) for students entering in fall 2024.
Carbondale, Illinois · Public, town campus
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale SAT & ACT scores
Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% of about 900-1160. Their ACT composite middle 50% was 18-25. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale admitted 87% of applicants and considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional).
- SAT middle 50%
- 900-1160
- ACT middle 50%
- 18-25
- Acceptance rate
- 87%
- Test policy, fall 2024
- Test-optional
- Undergraduates
- 8,494
Quick answer
What SAT score do you need for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
There is no published minimum. Aim for 1160 or higher to sit in the top quarter of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's SAT submitters; 900 marks the bottom quarter. Its SAT midpoint is higher than at 15% of the 902 colleges in this directory that report SAT scores.
Score check
Where does your score land at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
The middle 50% describes enrolled students who chose to submit scores, so test-optional colleges can show higher ranges than their full class. Scores are one part of an application.
Fall 2024 entering class
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale SAT and ACT score ranges
| Measure | 25th percentile | 50th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading and Writing | 470 | 530 | 590 |
| SAT Math | 430 | 510 | 570 |
| SAT total (estimated) | 900 | 1040 | 1160 |
| ACT composite | 18 | 22 | 25 |
The two sections are balanced: the top quarter starts at 590 in Reading and Writing and 570 in Math, and neither section's middle 50% spans more than 140 points.
College Scorecard's SAT-equivalent average for admitted students is 1055.
Testing policy
Does Southern Illinois University-Carbondale require the SAT or ACT?
Check the current cycle
Many colleges have changed testing rules since 2024, and several now require scores again. Confirm the policy for your application year on Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's website before deciding whether to submit.
Beyond scores
Cost and outcomes at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
- In-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
- $13,334
- Out-of-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
- $13,334
- Average net price after aid (2023-24)
- $13,297
- First-year retention rate
- 67%
- Graduation rate within 6 years
- 62%
- Median earnings 10 years after entry
- $53,390
Compare
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FAQ
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale admissions questions
What SAT score do you need to get into Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale does not publish a minimum SAT score. Among enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024, the middle 50% scored between 900 and 1160 (estimated from section scores). A score of 1160 or higher would place you in the top quarter of that group; 900 marks the bottom quarter.
What ACT score do you need for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Enrolled first-year students who submitted ACT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% composite of 18 to 25, with a median of 22. Scoring 25 or above puts you in the top quarter of submitters.
Does Southern Illinois University-Carbondale require the SAT or ACT?
For fall 2024 entry, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale reported to the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional). Testing policies have changed at many colleges since then, so confirm the current policy on Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's admissions website before you apply.
What is Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's acceptance rate?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale admitted 87% of applicants for fall 2024, according to data it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Sources and method
Where these numbers come from
- College Scorecard data downloads (June 10, 2026 release)U.S. Department of Education
- College Scorecard data dictionary and cohort mapU.S. Department of Education
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)National Center for Education Statistics
Test scores: 25th, 50th and 75th percentile SAT section scores and ACT composites of first-time students who enrolled in fall 2024 and submitted scores, as each college reported to IPEDS. Composite SAT ranges add the two section percentiles, so they are an estimate of the true composite range.
Admissions and test policy: Fall 2024 entering class, reported to IPEDS in 2024-25. Policies change; check each college's admissions site before applying.
Cost and outcomes: tuition for academic year 2024-25; average net price for academic year 2023-24; graduation rate for first-time, full-time students who started in 2018-19, graduating within 150% of normal time (6 years for a bachelor's degree); median earnings 10 years after entry, measured in 2020 and 2021, in 2022 dollars.
Coverage: colleges currently operating that reported SAT or ACT ranges and enrolled at least 500 undergraduates. Data released 2026-06-10, retrieved 2026-10-05. Spot an error? Email [email protected].