CARBONDALE (SIU NEWS) — Southern Illinois University Carbondale continues its upward trajectory with a third consecutive year of spring enrollment growth. Overall enrollment for spring 2026 climbed 0.5% to 10,919 students, up from 10,869 in spring 2025.
The increase was driven by significant gains in strong retention rates among undergraduates, transfer students and online education.
“This sustained growth is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff who are deeply committed to the success of our students,” said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. “Through our Imagine 2030 strategic plan, we have focused intentionally on removing barriers to education and meeting students where they are. Whether it’s through our robust online offerings or our partnerships here in the Southern Illinois region, we are seeing those strategic efforts pay off.”
Online and transfer growth
Southern saw a surge in distance learners, with a 25% increase in students pursuing an online degree, rising from 1,594 to 1,986.
Saluki Step Ahead continues to significantly contribute to enrollment growth, wherein transfer student enrollment jumped 10% as a result of Southern’s partnerships with over 40 community colleges in Illinois, in addition to partnerships with community colleges in Texas, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Retention wins
Student success remains a priority, reflected in a notable rise in retention. The fall-to-spring retention rate for first-time, full-time undergraduates stands at 86.7%, a 2.6% increase over the previous year.
Retention gains were widespread across diverse student populations:
- Pell-eligible students: Up 4%
- First-generation students: Up 4%
- Hispanic students: Up 8% overall, with Hispanic females up 9%
- Black/African American students: Up 4% overall, with males up 8%
“Keeping students on the path to graduation is just as important as recruiting them,” Lane said. “To see retention rates rise among first-generation and Pell-eligible students shows that our support systems are working. We are delivering on our promise to provide access and opportunity.”
Serving the region and beyond
Southern’s commitment to its backyard is evident, with enrollment from the Southern Illinois region up 8% and retention up 0.3%.
As one of only 21 Research 1 Opportunity Universities in the country, the university has implemented Saluki Start – a new initiative that provides tuition-free online classes to qualified high school juniors and seniors, allowing them to earn college credit before graduating. This partnership was designed with the support of local high schools in the Southern Illinois region. 130 students from 27 different high schools took advantage of Saluki Start and are currently taking classes this spring with Southern.
“Saluki Start is a game-changer for families in our region,” Lane said. “It lowers the cost of a degree and accelerates the path to a career for students right here at home.”
Beyond Illinois, Southern saw enrollment growth from several states, including Mississippi (up 29%), Kansas (up 13%), Texas (up 11%) and Washington (up 9%).