About

About Chicago State University

small class sizeshealth sciences focuspublic masters universityselective admissions

Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL, known for its small class sizes, health sciences focus, and public masters university. With an acceptance rate of 49%, CSU is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 173 students each year. CSU is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. CSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $15,045 per year; the sticker price of $26,179 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Chicago State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

49%
Overall Accept Rate

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Chicago State University

Essay Strategy
Chicago State has deep roots in the South Side Chicago community and places real value on students who are committed to serving urban communities, so if your background or goals connect to that mission, make that connection explicit in your personal statement or any additional writing.
Application Strategy
Chicago State has specific strength in programs like pharmacy, nursing, and education, so if you are applying to one of those departments, name the program directly and connect it to your goals rather than writing a general application, since the school values students who have a clear reason for choosing CSU over other options.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Chicago State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$26k/yr$9.1k
30k-48k~$26k/yr$9.6k
48k-75k~$26k/yr$11.3k
75k-110k~$26k/yr$13.9k
110k+~$26k/yr$28.4k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

17%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$34k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,376
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

77%Black / African American
10%Hispanic
6%Unknown / Unreported
3%International
3%White
1%Asian
1%American Indian / AK Native
Gender31% Men · 70% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status97% Citizens and Immigrants · 3% International
CSU, Chicago Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch