Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) is a public flagship university in southern Illinois known for its research‑focused programs, beautiful campus, and strong sense of community. Students often rave about the many student organizations, traditions like parades and “Dawgs Night Out,” the access to outdoor recreation near Shawnee National Forest, and the close‑knit residential‑campus feel.

State

Illinois

Student Population

10,000

Acceptance Rate

85–90%

GPA Range

3.1–3.5

SAT Range

910–1140

Common Majors

business, psychology, nursing, agriculture, zoology, criminal justice

“School culture feels like a mix of small‑town life and big‑campus energy, professors are approachable and supportive, sports and campus‑wide events keep the weekends lively, and off‑campus life blends Carbondale hangouts, lakes, and outdoor trips that keep the routine engaging without feeling overly crowded.”

Team & Tuition

Divison

Division 1

Tuition (no scholarship)

In-state: $12,093; Out-of-state: $24,716

Conference

Missouri Valley Conference

Scholarships Available

Yes. Both athletic and academic.

Avg Men's Scores

71.58

Avg Women's Scores

79.38

Men's Team Notes

Salukis men posted 286.3 adjusted averages over 27 rounds at Annabriar Golf Course (MVC Championships), Mark Simpson Colorado Invitational, and Kā'anapali Classic (Kā'anapali Golf Courses), securing top-7 finishes with strong par-5 scoring. Depth fueled contention on Illinois and Hawaiian layouts.

Women's Team Notes

Saluki women averaged 317.5 adjusted over 21 rounds at Finkbine Golf Course (Diane Thomason Invitational), Colbert Hills Golf Course (Powercat Invitational), Hammock Creek Golf Club (Advance Golf Partners Collegiate), and TPC Deere Run (MVC Championship). Steady play advanced positioning amid Midwest challenges.

Coaches

Men's Coach

Justin Fetcho

Women's Coach

Cindy Bodmer

Men's Email

jfetcho@siu.edu

Women's Email

cynthia.bodmer@siu.edu

Men's Coach Bio

Justin Fetcho is Southern Illinois University Carbondale men’s head golf coach and Director of Golf, entering his tenth season with the Salukis in 2025–26. He has led the program to multiple Missouri Valley Conference titles (2016, 2019, 2024) and a MVC Coach of the Year honor. Fetcho emphasizes a strong, competitive tournament schedule, technical‑skill refinement, and a disciplined practice culture that keeps SIU among the top MVC golf programs and a consistent NCAA‑postseason‑caliber team.

Women's Coach Bio

Cindy Bodmer is SIU women’s head golf coach, named to the role in September 2022 after a successful stint as a golf‑instruction professional in Florida. A former SIU graduate and assistant‑golf coach, she brings a deep connection to Carbondale and a strong fundamentals‑driven teaching background. Bodmer focuses on scoring‑oriented play, short‑game development, and a supportive team culture aimed at steadily raising the women’s program’s MVC‑level finish profile.