Chicago State University
A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here; fewer than half of freshmen return for sophomore year. 55% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.
About This School
Chicago State University is a public institution located in Chicago, Illinois with approximately 1,414 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 41% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $10,133 per year. The graduation rate is 17%, and the typical graduate earns $38,200 within 10 years of enrollment.
Chicago State University (CSU) is a public university in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
The numbers tell a concerning story here — a 17% graduation rate and 47% freshman retention rate suggest most students who start don't finish, which is a serious red flag worth discussing before enrolling. On the positive side, the average net price of around $10,000 per year makes it one of the more affordable options in Chicago, which matters if cost is a real barrier. Worth considering only if you have a clear plan, strong support systems in place, and have compared transfer and community college pathways that might offer better outcomes at similar cost.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,414 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
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Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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