April 24, 2025
SIU Carbondale named an Opportunity University by Carnegie Classifications
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale is one of only 16% of institutions, or 479 nationwide, that have earned the new Carnegie Classification designation of Opportunity Colleges and Universities – Higher Access, Higher Earnings.
The designation is part of a newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification published this month by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. Criteria include the percentage of students who receive Pell Grants, the percentage of undergraduate students who are from underrepresented backgrounds, and earnings after graduation.
This news comes two months after SIU Carbondale was named a Research 1 university in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The only other universities in Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee with both a Research 1 and an Opportunity designation are University of Illinois Chicago and University of Louisville.
“This new designation is fantastic news,” said Chancellor Austin A. Lane, “and it confirms what we already know about Southern: Salukis get a significant return on their investment. In fact, a recent community impact study found that SIU Carbondale graduates get almost $3 for every dollar they invest at the university.”
About two of every five students are the first in their families to go to college, and almost 40% of SIU Carbondale students are ethnic minorities. More than one-third of students receive Pell Grants.
Efforts to help students become alumni include strengthening the first-year experience, launching the HEROES program to help students meet basic needs and reinstituting the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars summer program. Advisers also proactively reach out to students when they see early signs of the need for assistance.
“The Research 1 designation is proof that we offer a first-class education,” Lane said, “and being on the Opportunity Colleges and Universities list shows that we provide our students with access and success.”