Tuition Free for Teachers

The local newspaper in 1880 advertised for students at what we now call SIU.

“The 7th academic year of Southern Illinois Normal University would commence September 6th, 1880, and continue with a recess of two weeks at Christmas till May 26th, 1881. It would be divided into three terms. The building, apparatus, library, museum, and general facilities were said to be the best in the country. 800 students could be accommodated. The purpose was to fit young men and women for the work and duty of teaching and incidentally, for all the affairs of life. 

“To those pledging to teach in the public schools of this state, tuition was free but a charge of $3 and $1.00 per term was made for incidentals such as paper, ink, pens, etc.  For others, tuition in a nominal fee was charged.

“Access to Carbondale was easy and the facilities to board were excellent.  With good private families, the price was from $2.50 to 5.50 per week. Young people could arrange boarding in clubs at $2.00 and could provide for themselves at $1.50 per week.

“Citizens in southern Illinois would find a school in their midst which would educate their children better at home than could be done abroad, and considering the cost of travel, at considerably less prices than were promised elsewhere.  Almost any study wanted by any student could be pursued every term and certainly everyone within the year.

 “Carbondale was said to be beautiful, healthful, intelligent and moral.” (I’m not sure how moral it was when I attended in the 60’s. . . .but it was beautiful as I recall. However, tuition was a bit higher as was room and board.)