SIU, like many Illinois institutions is going downhill very rapidly. Part of it has to do with Illinois’s budget woes and part of it has to do with the institutionalized liberalism/progressivism/radicalism you find on most college campuses. It boasts a remarkably ugly (in my eyes) campus with high-rise dorms that look like they were inspired by Soviet architects.
That campus has good points and bad. For example, you’re right the towers are hideous, but they also have Thompson Point, three story dorms situated on a campus recreation lake. Also woods with walking trails on campus which are nice.