Who qualifies for in-state tuition at SIU?

All U.S. undergraduates at SIU are charged the in-state (resident) tuition rate automatically. Legacy and military discounts may require documentation.

How much does the in-state policy save?

Roughly $14,000+ per year compared to typical nonresident rates at many public universities, before any scholarships or grants.

Do I need a separate application for automatic scholarships?

No. Students are automatically considered after admission by the priority dates for Maroon, Silver, Gold, and University Excellence tiers.

Are test scores required for automatic merit?

No. SIU’s automatic merit tiers are based on unweighted high school GPA; the university is test-optional for general admission.

How competitive are the Chancellor’s and Provost’s Scholarships?

Very competitive and limited in number. Chancellor’s typically involves essays and interviews for top A-range students; Provost’s is a selective transfer award.

Is the Saluki Commitment a full ride?

It covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees after grants and scholarships for eligible Illinois residents. Housing, meals, and personal expenses are not covered.

Do departmental and identity-based awards stack?

Usually yes, subject to the Cost of Attendance cap. Check each award’s terms and your aid package.

Is admission to SIU Honors automatic?

No. Students submit a separate Honors application with essays; selection is holistic and considers academics, rigor, and leadership.

Does the Honors Program add time to a degree?

No. Honors seminars often substitute for core courses, so students graduate on time with proper planning.

Are there Honors-specific scholarships?

Yes. Named awards such as the Somit, Corder, and Gwaltney scholarships are reserved for Honors students, and the program also advises on national fellowships like Fulbright and Goldwater.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale Scholarships (2025–2026)

Q: Can automatic scholarships stack with other aid?

Often yes, but total aid cannot exceed the official Cost of Attendance. Departmental or donor awards may stack; Saluki Commitment fills tuition/fee gaps after other aid.

Q: Can ROTC cover housing and meals?

Army ROTC sometimes allows choosing a housing/meal option instead of tuition, but most students use it for tuition coverage plus book and monthly stipends.

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, especially for first-gen families trying to decode the fine print. At Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU), the good news is simple: all U.S. undergrads pay in-state tuition, and scholarships stack on top of that. This guide walks you through costs, aid, and the awards that actually make SIU affordable for Illinois families—and for out-of-state students too. For more local help, see our Illinois state aid guide alongside the full CRP scholarship hub.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Expense	In-State (All U.S. undergrads)
Tuition	$9,638
Mandatory Fees	$3,906
Housing & Meals	$12,341
Books & Supplies	$780
Travel	$1,300
Personal	$1,761
Total (Before Aid)	$29,726

Average Net Price: Families actually paid about $16,177 per year (after grants and scholarships, before loans) based on the latest federal data.

Reciprocity & Tuition Discounts: All U.S. undergraduates at SIU pay the in-state rate—no matter where you live. This policy saves out-of-state students about $14,000+ per year compared to typical nonresident rates. In addition, SIU offers a Legacy Tuition Rate (20% off) for children and spouses of SIU alumni, plus special military tuition rates.

FAQ

Who qualifies for in-state tuition? All U.S. citizens and permanent residents automatically get the in-state rate at SIU.

How much does that save? About $14,000 per year compared to what a typical nonresident rate would be at other public universities.

Do I have to apply? No separate application is required—the in-state policy is automatic for all domestic students. Legacy and military discounts require documentation.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

SIU awards automatic scholarships based on your high school GPA. No extra forms, no essays—just apply for admission by the priority dates. These awards are renewable for four years as long as your student keeps their grades up and stays full-time.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Maroon Scholarship	$1,500/yr	HS GPA 2.75–2.99	No	Yes — 3.0 GPA & 12+ credits/term	Solid “B” students who apply early
Silver Scholarship	$2,500/yr	HS GPA 3.00–3.49	No	Yes — 3.0 GPA & 12+ credits/term	Mostly “B+/A-” students
Gold Scholarship	$3,500/yr	HS GPA 3.50–3.79	No	Yes — 3.0 GPA & 12+ credits/term	Strong “A-/B+” range students
University Excellence Scholarship	$5,500+/yr	HS GPA 3.80–4.00	No	Yes — 3.0 GPA & 12+ credits/term	Top “A-range” students

Note: SIU does not require test scores for these awards. Awarding starts Oct 1 (fall admits) and Jan 15 (spring admits). Actual funding depends on available budget.

FAQ

Do I need to fill out a separate application? No—students are automatically considered once admitted by the priority dates.

Does SIU superscore the ACT or SAT? Test scores are not required for these awards; GPA drives the scholarship tiers.

Can these stack with other aid? Yes, but your total aid can’t exceed the official cost of attendance. Departmental or donor awards may stack; Saluki Commitment fills tuition/fee gaps after other scholarships.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

These awards go beyond GPA—they’re limited in number and require extra steps like essays, applications, or interviews. The students who win them usually have top academics plus leadership or service that stand out.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Chancellor’s Scholarship	Full tuition, fees, housing & meals (4 years)	First-time freshmen; top GPA (often 3.9+); invited from University Excellence pool	Yes — application + essays; deadline Nov 1	Yes — maintain GPA & full-time enrollment	Top A-range students with rigor, service, leadership; finalists often interview
Provost’s Scholarship (Transfer)	Full tuition & fees (2 years)	High-achieving transfer admits with strong GPA (usually 3.8+)	Yes — competitive application	Yes — up to 2 years if GPA & enrollment maintained	Transfer students with near-perfect grades and leadership/service experience

FAQ

How competitive are these awards? Very—SIU typically awards only a small number of Chancellor’s and Provost’s Scholarships each year.

Do they replace automatic scholarships? Yes. If you win one of these, it takes the place of your automatic merit, but the value is much higher.

What’s required beyond GPA? Strong essays, leadership, service, and sometimes an interview. Think of these as holistic awards.

When should students apply? For fall 2025, the Chancellor’s deadline is Nov 1. Transfer applicants should watch SIU’s scholarship portal for Provost’s dates.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond the big automatic and competitive awards, SIU has a range of programs that can quietly save families thousands. These are often need-based, identity-based, or tied to special opportunities like research, ROTC, or study abroad.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Saluki Commitment (AIM High)	Covers remaining tuition & fees after grants/scholarships	Illinois residents; FAFSA filed; meet income/asset limits	No — automatic via FAFSA	Yes, if income criteria and full-time status continue	Pell-eligible Illinois students whose grants don’t fully cover tuition/fees
Army ROTC (Saluki Battalion)	Up to full tuition & fees, plus book allowance & stipend	Meet Army ROTC academic/fitness criteria; U.S. citizen	Yes — via ROTC board	Yes, up to 4 years	Students with leadership, fitness, and STEM/critical-needs pathways
Air Force ROTC (Detachment 205)	Full or partial tuition; book stipend; monthly allowance	Meet AFROTC academic/fitness/medical criteria	Yes — via AFROTC board	Yes, up to 4 years	STEM-leaning students with strong GPAs and leadership potential
REACH Undergraduate Research Award	Up to $2,000 research funding + paid assistantship	Full-time undergrads with faculty mentor & project plan	Yes — annual competitive app	No — year-specific	Motivated students with clear projects and mentor support
Susan C. Thrasher Research Fund	≈$1,500 (varies by year)	Undergrads with faculty-mentored research proposals	Yes — annual app	No — one-time	Students presenting projects at SIU’s research forum
Study Abroad (Salukis Abroad)	At least one award per Global Seminar; most aid applies abroad	Enrolled students in approved exchange or seminar programs	Varies — often automatic consideration	No — one-time per program	Students applying early and meeting program criteria
Departmental & Donor Awards	Ranges $500–$5,000	Varies by major and department	Yes — via AcademicWorks portal	Varies	Students who apply in their major’s portal by Feb 1
Antonio A. Washington Memorial Leadership Award	Varies ($500–$1,000 typical)	Students showing outstanding leadership at SIU	Yes — via scholarship portal	No — one-time	Student leaders active in campus and community life
Paul Robeson Memorial Award	Varies ($500–$1,000 typical)	Students engaged in academics, athletics, and Black Affairs Council service	Yes — via scholarship portal	No — one-time	Leaders contributing to SIU’s Black student community
Anna Jackson Scholarship	≈$1,000	Preference for underrepresented students	Yes	No — one-time	First-gen or underrepresented students in good standing
Hispanic-American Fund	≈$1,000–$2,000	Students of Hispanic-American heritage	Yes	Varies	Latino students active in SIU’s community
Seymour & Marjorie Bryson Scholarship	≈$1,000–$2,000	African American students overcoming barriers	Yes	Varies	Resilient African American students with academic promise
Kenneth Brown Hope & Opportunity Scholarship	≈$1,000–$2,000	Minority/underrepresented students	Yes	No — one-time	Students from diverse backgrounds with need
Native American Scholarship	≈$1,000–$2,000	Undergrad or grad students of Indigenous ancestry	Yes	Varies	Native students active in SIU community
Mel Siener Band Scholarship	≈$500–$1,000	Outstanding band students	Yes — School of Music	Varies	Talented band members after audition/recommendation
Marching Band Stipend	≈$500–$1,000	Returning marching band members	No — given by ensemble	Yes, if returning	Committed students in Saluki marching band
SIU Women’s Club Scholarships	≈$1,000 each (two awards)	Female students with academic achievement & need	Yes — SIU Women’s Club	No — one-time	Women with strong grades, goals, and leadership

FAQ

Is the Saluki Commitment really a “full ride”? It covers any remaining tuition and mandatory fees after grants and scholarships—but not housing, meals, or extras.

Can ROTC cover housing? Army ROTC sometimes allows choosing a housing/meal plan option instead of tuition, but most students use it for full tuition plus stipends.

Are research awards competitive? Yes—students need a faculty mentor and a strong proposal. These are selective but achievable with planning.

Do departmental or identity-based awards stack? In most cases, yes. Just keep in mind that total aid can’t exceed the official cost of attendance.

⭐ College Specialty

Southern Illinois University Carbondale isn’t just another regional campus—it’s a public R2 research university with deep roots in hands-on programs. Families know SIU best for aviation, automotive, and forestry, but the university also nurtures unique programs like fermentation science that connect directly to growing industries.

Top Spotlight Program:
✈️ Aviation (Flight & Management) — SIU is one of the nation’s largest university-based aviation programs, accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and a recognized partner in the American Airlines Cadet Academy. This makes it a direct pipeline for careers in commercial aviation.

Automotive Technology — One of the oldest and most respected programs in the country, with industry partnerships and a 187,000-sq-ft Transportation Education Center.
Forestry — Consistently ranked among the top forestry schools in the Midwest, benefiting from SIU’s proximity to the Shawnee National Forest.
Fermentation Science — Home to the Fermentation Science Institute and one of the few undergraduate fermentation science degrees nationwide, preparing students for careers in brewing, food science, and biotechnology.

🎖️ Honors College

The University Honors Program (UHP) at SIU is a chance for motivated students to go deeper—through small classes, close faculty mentorship, and research opportunities. It’s not automatic admission; students apply separately and are selected based on academic rigor, essays, and leadership potential.

What a Typical SIU Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA in the 3.7–4.0 range*, challenging coursework (AP/IB or dual credit), leadership roles in school or community, and strong writing skills for essays. *Estimates based on SIU admissions profiles and Honors selection trends.

Why It Matters:

📚 Priority registration and small seminar-style classes
🏠 Access to Honors housing and dedicated study space
🔬 Research and thesis opportunities with faculty mentorship
💡 Special funding for projects, study abroad, and enrichment

Honors Scholarships

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Chancellor’s Scholarship	Full tuition, fees, housing & meals (4 years)	Top freshmen invited; all recipients join Honors	Yes — competitive app & interview	Yes — maintain GPA & enrollment	Highest-achieving A-range students with leadership/service
Albert & Leyla D. Somit Honors Program Scholarship	Varies ($500–$2,000 typical)	Enrolled Honors students exemplifying learning, leading, serving	Yes — Honors app	Varies	Active Honors students showing service & leadership
Eva & Joe Corder Honors Scholarship	Varies	Admitted Honors students	Yes — Honors app	No — one-time	Honors students with strong academic promise
Pam Huller Gwaltney Memorial Scholarship	Varies	Honors students showing leadership & scholarly potential	Yes — Honors app	Varies	Students engaged in leadership and scholarship within Honors
Provost Tuition Scholarship	Full tuition & fees (2 years)	Honors students selected by Provost’s Office	Yes — competitive	Yes — 2 years with GPA & enrollment	High-achieving Honors students in good standing

🎓 The Honors Program also advises students for highly competitive national and international scholarships such as the Fulbright and Goldwater. This guidance can open doors to life-changing opportunities beyond SIU.

FAQ

Is admission automatic? No—students must submit a separate Honors application with essays.

Does Honors add extra time to a degree? No, Honors seminars often substitute for core classes, so students graduate on time.

Are there scholarships tied to Honors? Yes—several named awards are reserved just for Honors students, in addition to national fellowship advising (like Fulbright and Goldwater).

When should students apply? Ideally during the admission process or early freshman year. Deadlines are posted each cycle on the SIU Honors site.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

Navigating scholarships at SIU Carbondale doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Between automatic awards, competitive full rides, hidden gems like ROTC and research grants, and the Honors Program perks, families have real ways to bring the cost down. And with SIU’s in-state tuition policy for all U.S. students, the sticker price already starts lower than most out-of-state options. Use this guide as a roadmap, keep an eye on deadlines, and encourage your student to apply widely—you may be surprised at how affordable SIU can be.

✅ Last updated: September 3, 2025