Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL

Total Enrollment

11,359

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

293

293 programs

Full-Time Students

6,868

1,327 part-time

Total FTE

9,012

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

11:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

28
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
2993
Total Recent Graduates

With 11,359 students, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 293 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 6,868 (83.8%)
83.8%
Part-Time Students 1,327 (16.2%)
Total Students 8,195

Predominantly full-time students (83.8%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (60.5%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
51.9%
5,892 students
Men
48.1%
5,467 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
63.0%
7,152 students
White
63.0% (7,152)
Black/African American
15.0% (1,701)
Hispanic/Latino
8.3% (947)
International Students
7.5% (853)
Two or More Races
3.3% (372)
Asian
2.5% (281)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (28)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (10)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 11,359 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 63% of the student body (7,152 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

8,195 students

49% Men, 51% Women
6,868 Full-time 1,327 Part-time
Diversity Index: 53% • Minority Students: 29%

Graduate students

3,164 students

46% Men, 54% Women
2,120 Full-time 1,044 Part-time
Diversity Index: 62% • Minority Students: 20%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

8,988
All full-time students
4,188 men, 4,800 women
Diversity: 57%

FT Undergraduate

6,868
Full-time undergraduate
3,250 men, 3,618 women
Diversity: 53%

FT Degree-Seeking

6,845
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
3,241 men, 3,604 women
Diversity: 53%

FT First-Time

1,580
Full-time first-time students
699 men, 881 women
Diversity: 62%

FT Continuing

5,265
Full-time continuing students
2,542 men, 2,723 women
Diversity: 49%

FT Transfer

950
Full-time transfer students
467 men, 483 women
Diversity: 44%

FT Continuing

4,315
Full-time other continuing
2,075 men, 2,240 women
Diversity: 50%

FT Non-Degree

23
Full-time non-degree seeking
9 men, 14 women
Diversity: 53%

FT Graduate

2,120
Full-time graduate students
938 men, 1,182 women
Diversity: 63%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

2,371
All part-time students
1,279 men, 1,092 women
Diversity: 56%

PT Undergraduate

1,327
Part-time undergraduate
758 men, 569 women
Diversity: 54%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,271
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
732 men, 539 women
Diversity: 54%

PT First-Time

41
Part-time first-time students
17 men, 24 women
Diversity: 55%

PT Continuing

1,230
Part-time continuing students
715 men, 515 women
Diversity: 53%

PT Transfer

238
Part-time transfer students
132 men, 106 women
Diversity: 50%

PT Continuing

992
Part-time other continuing
583 men, 409 women
Diversity: 54%

PT Non-Degree

56
Part-time non-degree seeking
26 men, 30 women
Diversity: 46%

PT Graduate

1,044
Part-time graduate students
521 men, 523 women
Diversity: 59%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

5,372
White
1,373
Black/African American
794
Hispanic/Latino
151
Asian
165
International
Diversity Index: 53% Minority Students: 29%

Graduate students

1,780
White
328
Black/African American
153
Hispanic/Latino
130
Asian
688
International
Diversity Index: 62% Minority Students: 20%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 11,359 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (60.5%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 9,012 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 44% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (11:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

Lincoln Drive

Carbondale, IL 62901-4512

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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