Beginning next semester, eligible students at 26 Southern Illinois high schools will be able to take college courses tuition-free through Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s new Saluki Start Dual Enrollment Program. Chancellor Austin Lane and partner-school leaders signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, November 19th formally establishing the initiative aimed at expanding access to higher education across the region.
SIU Carbondale is among only 21 institutions nationwide recognized both as a Carnegie R1 research institution and an Opportunity University, offering high academic quality paired with strong affordability.
Through the program, students will take one SIU course per term, taught online by SIU faculty. Earned credit hours can later be applied toward a degree at the university.
“High school students participating in Saluki Start will get a preview of what makes an education at SIU Carbondale special,” said Sarah Jiter, director of undergraduate admissions. “If they get an early start on their college journey with us, we will provide a smooth transition to continuing their education on our beautiful campus close to home.” To participate, students must be recommended by their school, have completed at least two years of high school, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate readiness for college-level work. Partner high schools include: Anna-Jonesboro, Benton, Carbondale, Carterville, Chester, Cobden, Coulterville, Du Quoin, Frankfort, Goreville, Harrisburg, Eldorado, Hardin County, Johnston City, Meridian, Murphysboro, Nashville, Pinckneyville, Sesser-Valier, Shawnee, Sparta, Steeleville, Red Bud, Vienna, Webber, and Woodlawn.