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 is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Chicago State University is 40.5%. This means that 41 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 40.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
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
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
CSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at CSU is 3.18. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.38-3.58 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.88 and 3.18, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
CSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at CSU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.18, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
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
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At CSU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board 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
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into CSU Without SAT or ACT?
Chicago State University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Chicago State University Average SAT Score: 857
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Chicago State University is 857 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 857 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 857 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (887 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Chicago State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 817, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at CSU. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is 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 |
It means that if you have scored less than 817 then you are below most of the admitted students at CSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 887 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 850
Can I get into Chicago State University (CSU) with a 900 SAT?
With a 900 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Chicago State University (CSU) are good but the admission staff at CSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for CSU
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At CSU, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Target the 75th Percentile
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Demonstrated Interest
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
The 'Breadth' Factor
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Humanize the Transcript
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.
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?
Getting into CSU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. CSU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at CSU is $51,500 and the graduate unemployment rate is 7.5%.
How much does a degree from CSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Chicago State University is $30,454. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Chicago State University is $10,133.
55% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 61.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Chicago State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CSU as your choice in the form.
How much does a CSU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $42,778. An average CSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
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
Full list of all degree programs offered by Chicago State University →
Frequently Asked Questions About CSU Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $42,778 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $30,454 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
55.0% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.
The acceptance rate of Chicago State University is 40.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.18. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.88, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.88, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.78 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.18, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Chicago State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 857 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 817–887.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.