Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Chicago, Illinois
40.5% Acceptance Rate
Chicago State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
40.5%Acceptance Rate
3.18Avg GPA
857Avg SAT
$30,454Annual Cost
$42,778Grad Salary
55%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
40.5%
Avg GPA
3.18
Avg SAT
857
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
817–887
Avg Net Price
$10,133
Need-Based Aid
55% receive Pell
Chicago State University Chicago State University (CSU), founded in 1867, is a public university on Chicago's South Side serving a predominantly African-American student body. The 161-acre campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs with particular strengths in education, health sciences, and business. CSU maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio while providing the resources of a state university. Campus facilities include the recently renovated Library and Learning Center and the Cordell Reed Student Union. The university is particularly known for its teacher education programs serving Chicago Public Schools.
CSU takes pride in its urban mission and commitment to serving underrepresented students. Campus life includes NCAA Division I athletics and over 60 student organizations. The university's location provides internship opportunities throughout Chicago. Recent initiatives include the new STEM Center and health professions programs. Despite financial challenges, CSU remains dedicated to providing accessible, quality education. The university's combination of academic programs, diverse community, and urban location makes it an important educational resource on Chicago's South Side.
Chicago State University Acceptance Rate
Chicago State University admits roughly 40.5% of its applicant pool, keeping it competitive without being out of reach for a solid student.
What CSU Admissions Looks For
- Solid, Not Perfect: A GPA trending upward matters more than one that's flat.
- Holistic Read: Recommendations and community involvement carry real weight here.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 40.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Slightly below-average GPA? A strong test score or clear leadership track record can still keep you competitive.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.18 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.98 – 3.17
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.73
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Chicago State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Chicago State University is December 15 for Spring applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 129 days left — Spring
Spring
December 15
Summer 2026
May 15
Fall
August 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
CSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at CSU is 3.18. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 2.88–3.18 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.38–3.58.CSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.18 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.98 – 3.17
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.78 – 2.97
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.77
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Nursing and health programs are more competitive than general admission.
- College readiness significantly affects placement.
- Community engagement strengthens applications.
- Complete documentation is essential.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at CSU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Chicago State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Chicago State University (CSU) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if CSU is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into CSU Without SAT or ACT?
CSU neither requires nor recommends test scores. Submit yours only if it's above the state or national average. Otherwise, leaving it off works in your favor.
Chicago State University Average SAT Score: 857
The average SAT score of admitted students at Chicago State University is 857 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 857 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (887 SAT) to stand out. Below average? Chicago State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 817, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at CSU. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 857 | 817 | 887 |
Below 817, you're behind most admitted students; at 887 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 850
Can I get into Chicago State University (CSU) with a 900 SAT?
A 900 SAT puts you ahead of most of CSU's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for CSU
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
Competitive positioning at CSU means clearing the academic bar comfortably, then using the rest of your application to show genuine fit.
Meet College-Ready Benchmarks Before Applying
Chicago State serves many first-generation and access-focused students, but applicants with stronger preparation in English and mathematics are better positioned for admission and early academic success. Completing a solid college-preparatory curriculum can strengthen admission outcomes.
Apply Early for Nursing and Health-Related Programs
Students interested in nursing, health sciences, or competitive professional pathways should apply early and carefully review additional admission requirements beyond general university admission.
Highlight Community Leadership and Resilience
Chicago State values applicants who demonstrate perseverance, community engagement, and leadership, especially those who have overcome educational challenges.
Ensure All Documents Are Submitted Quickly
Admission delays frequently result from incomplete transcripts or missing documentation. Early completion improves enrollment opportunities.
Expert Insight:
Many applicants assume admission to the university automatically guarantees access to selective healthcare programs, which often have separate competitive requirements.
CSU Profile
Full Name
Chicago State University (CSU)
City
Chicago
State
Illinois
ZIP Code
60628-1598
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a CSU Degree Worth It?
At $30,454/year against a $42,778 median graduate salary, CSU is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $51,500, with a graduate unemployment rate of 7.5%.
How much does a degree from CSU Cost?
The sticker price is $30,454/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $10,133.
55% of students receive a Pell Grant and 61.3% take federal loans at CSU. File your FAFSA early and list CSU as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a CSU Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $42,778. That's about 5% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Chicago State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manor College | Jenkintown, PA | 820 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Chicago State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallaudet University | Washington, DC | 857 | 16 |
| Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley, GA | 864 | 18 |
| Virginia Union University | Richmond, VA | 860 | NA |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Chicago State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Pine Bluff, AR | 916 | 16 |
| Bethune-Cookman University | Daytona Beach, FL | 913 | 17 |
| Trinity College of Florida | Trinity, FL | 905 | 19 |
| Warner University | Lake Wales, FL | 937 | 17 |
| Wesleyan College | Macon, GA | 905 | NA |
Degree Programs at CSU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About CSU Admissions
Median earnings for Chicago State University graduates sit around $42,778 a year.
Chicago State University costs roughly $30,454 a year, and most students combine this with scholarships or aid.
With 55.0% of Chicago State University students on a Pell Grant, need-based aid odds here are strong. An early FAFSA filing naming Chicago State University is the key move.
At 40.5%, Chicago State University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Chicago State University average a 3.18 GPA.
Chicago State University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 2.88 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.78, Chicago State University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Chicago State University — aim above 857, ideally within the 817–887 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Chicago State University is December 15 for Spring applicants.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is December 15, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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