SUCCESS WEEK 2008 - FAQs

What is the average ACT score of incoming freshman in the engineering college?

In fall 2006, the ACT composite score for incoming freshmen in the College of Engineering ranged from 17 to 33, with an average of 25. The math score varied from 15 to 36, with an average of 26.

How many engineers are there in the freshmen class?

In fall 2006, we had 161 freshmen in the College of Engineering. Our overall enrollment (all classes) was 912 students. We find that this is small enough to maintain a strong faculty-to-student ratio and individualized educational opportunities, but it is large enough to contend with larger, research-only oriented universities.

What percentage of freshmen will graduate?

Our average five year graduation rate is just under 38 percent, based on data between 1997 and 2005. This is computed by multiplying annual retention rates (i.e.., the percentage of students making it from one year to the next). Our freshmen retention rate is about 64 percent, meaning that 64 percent of students make it to the sophomore year. Sophomore rates are 70 percent, junior rates are 89 percent, and 4th year senior rates are 94 percent. Clearly, the most difficult challenge to increasing our graduation rates occurs during the first two years. This is the time when some students struggle with adjusting to college life, maturity issues, underpreparedness from an academic perspective, etc. Unfortunately, this is not unique to SIUC or even Illinois schools. Many, but not all, engineering programs nationwide are experiencing similar trends. The silver lining is that we have just been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to increase graduation rates by focusing on those first two years of a student’s program. You can find more details about the program here, but let me tell you, I wish I could have taken advantage of such programs when I was in college. In short, we have assembled a series of programs to create a positive peer-support network and living-learning community for our new students. We are most proud of our plans to implement an Engineering Residential College in fall 2007; it allows our younger engineering students to live together and take advantage of peer mentoring, tutoring, faculty mentoring, classes in the residence halls, and other activities. Please take a look at the website when you have the opportunity. Oh, and by the way, roughly 60 percent of that $1.5 million is allocated back to students as financial support and compensation for tutoring, supplemental instruction, and mentoring!

How many mechanical engineers do you graduate per year? Civil engineers?

Last year, roughly 50 to 60 students graduated in each of our civil and mechanical engineering departments (i.e., total between 100 and 120)