Chicago State University is located in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago State University was founded in 1867 as a teacher training school, became a state college in 1967, and received university status in 1971. The University now awards bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate degrees. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The University has retained its emphasis on teaching and general education in the humanities. It emphasizes its record of academic achievement for African-Americans.
During its 138-year history it has changed names, governance, and administrations a number of times. Until 1965, the Chicago Board of Education governed the school until it was put under the control of the State of Illinois.
Chicago State University
Academics
The University is composed of a number of different schools and colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Health Science, the Honors College, Education, the Graduate School, the University College, and Continuing Education.
Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in a number of different disciplines, including art and design, African-American studies, music, mathematics and computer science, accounting, finance, education, health information administration, nursing, and occupational therapy. Minors are also awarded in many of these fields.
Master’s degrees are awarded in various different fields, including counseling, English, history, criminal justice, Library science, reading, and occupational therapy. The University awards an MFA in creative writing, an MSW in social work, numerous master’s degrees in education, and certificates in health information administration, school counseling, community development, and geographic information systems.
CSU provides 36 different undergraduate degree programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences, and through the Honors College. Majors such as African-American Studies, Criminal Justice, and Speech are some of the available fields at CSU.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Chicago State University.
Chicago State University’s College of Education also offers teacher’s certification courses. The Minority Biomedical Research Program includes two different programs: Research Initiative for Science Enhancement (RISE) and Support of Continuous Research Excellence (SCORE). These programs are designed to expand students’ educations obtained from other disciplines such as biology and chemistry.
Chicago State University
Admissions
Applications to the undergraduate programs are accepted through July 15 prior to the fall semester, with an application fee of $25. In addition to the application form and fee, students must provide test scores and transcripts, have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and have taken four units of English, three of math, three of social studies, and three of science with lab, as well as two elective units. Applications can be requested but not completed on-line except for students who have never attended college or who have fewer than 24 semester hours.
Graduate students must provide the following for admissions to the graduate school: application and fee, transcripts, a statement of goals and objectives, and program-specific requirement. Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are “generally admitted.” A graduate application has an application fee of $25.
Priority consideration is given to those applicants that submit by July 15 before their freshman year. Beginning freshman admissions requirements include a high school diploma or GED (score of 225), ACT score of 17 or SAT score of 830, and a high school grade point average of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale). The admissions office also requires a copy of the applicant’s 6th semester transcript. All applicants must also submit a medical examination report, and any student admitted who was born after 1957 must submit proof of immunization from measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus. Incoming freshmen can submit an application online via the office of admissions website.
Financial Aid
In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students were $6143 in 2004-2005 Students applying from out of state and graduate students will have different costs.
Financial aid is available with a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. The University participates in the Illinois Department of Human Service’s TANF/low income degree scholarship program, which is for low-income undergraduate students with children.
Students who wish to apply for financial aid must first submit a FAFSA, after which they can be considered for such aid programs as Federal Pell Grants, Federal SEOG, Federal Work Study, Federal Stafford Loans, and Federal PLUS Loans. The State of Illinois also offers several opportunities for aid. Special consideration may be given to student employees or veterans.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Chicago State University 3855th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Illinois scholarships and financial aid
The Chicago State University Library offers electronic catalogs and on-line databases, in additional to physical volumes stored on site. A new library was scheduled to open in the spring of 2005, and includes an automated retrieval system, faculty and staff work areas, classrooms, and exhibit areas.
The University radio station, WCSU, broadcasts Cougar home games and provides other programming in music, fine arts, public affairs, and news. The station is operated by students and alumni.
The campus also has various research centers, including the Center for Urban Mental-health Research, the Minority Biomedical Research Program, the Research Development office, the Neighborhood Assistance Center, and the Calumet Environmental Resource Center.
The CSU campus is home to a variety of student organizations, including a Chess Club, Chicago Broadcast club, Models Club, Tempo student newspaper, and a number of fraternities and sororities. Campus events include student debates, lectures, and charitable fundraisers for the local community.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Chicago State University?
Chicago State University is an NCAA Division I school, with baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, tennis, track & field for men and basketball, cross-country, golf, tennis, track & field, and volleyball for women. The team nickname is the Cougars. The University is a member of the Midwestern Conference.
The Chicago State Cougars compete in baseball, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, and track. The athletics department emphasizes success in academics and on the playing field. “Equity, student welfare and sportsmanship” are the values upheld by the University’s intercollegiate programs. Athletics is viewed as a laboratory wherein Chicago State student athletes learn about life, themselves, and the application of knowledge acquired in the classroom. Honest effort and productivity are ingrained in every CSU athlete, regardless of the sport.
Local Community
The city of Chicago is a major metropolitan area, giving students access to world-class arts and entertainment, museums, and recreation. Chicago is one of the nation’s largest cities and a paradise for any urban-minded individual. Professional sports teams like the Bulls, Bears, and the tradition-rich Chicago Cubs offer a great opportunity for entertainment. Chicago also has a vast amount of shopping and sightseeing opportunities, including the massive Sears Tower. For the food lover, Chicago is home to its own versions of hot dogs and pizzas that will provide more than enough leftovers for any bargain-seeking college student.
Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding Chicago State University, or discuss this school in the University Discussion Forum
about 1 month agodavid david ((at)) yahoo dot com
Chicago State University, why is it that the school presidents and the board members want to steal from this school. It is not the school. It is the people in it. Corruption, racist, low self-esteem, party to much, not focus, and down right evil. Not like, Illinois, Illinois state, NIU and so on. Chicago State is breeding ground for criminals. The dorms is occupied by neighborhood kids. Why is that? The enrollment can increase if they allow the students like deans honors, nursing, pharmacy, sports, internation, and 5% chicago student to live in the dorms. This will all the 5% of the chicago native students to experience the world of a good study habit not just roaming the dorms.
4 months agolynettecurtis lynettecurtis15 ((at)) gmail dot com
I like CSU because its close to my house and i feel that i will become something
6 months agoJ urye2 ((at)) hotmail dot com
This is a great school!! I love it!!! You should go. You will learn and have fun at the same time. You can't do that at many schools.
7 months agoAnother Pink Inc.-NJ pnkgrntwo ((at)) aol dot com
I have been fighting and arguing with Chicago State University since 1999. I was lied to about a teaching certificate which I paid for and didn't receive during 1997-1999. The reason that all of the former President's and Dean's of College of Education are telling me is that Chicago State University isn't or wasn't a teaching certification school. Well, I researched the history and here it is...Chicago State University is located in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago State University was founded in 1867 as a teacher training school, became a state college in 1967, and received university status in 1971. The University now awards bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate degrees. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The University has retained its emphasis on teaching and general education in the humanities. It emphasizes its record of academic achievement for African-Americans.
During its 138-year history it has changed names, governance, and administrations a number of times. Until 1965, the Chicago Board of Education governed the school until it was put under the control of the State of Illinois.
Sounds like someone in administration doesn't know the history and what the school offers. I don't recommend CSU to anyone unless they have an attorney.
Respectfully,
Highly Disappointed
11 months agoAmazon Burke Akilicj22 ((at)) comcast dot net
In regards to the individual who replied that CSU sucks, I just want to say, that maybe before you were admitted, you learned how to construct a proper sentence with subject and verb agreement; your experience at CSU would not have sucked! How about that!You Know what I mean,"I don't know what this People" what is that you idiot? You suck!
11 months agoErnestine Durham
Both my husband and I are graduates of CSU and are very proud of it. Yes CSU qualifications for entry is probably not as high as it should be, but for many students it's necessary for them to just get in the door of higher learning in order to be successful. As a result of my husband attending CSU, he went on to receive degrees in Electrical Engineering and Chemistry and ultimately ended his career as an executive in a suburban utility company. I was the valecdictorian of my High School class and yet chose CSU. I also ended my career as an upper level manager in a Chemical Company. Just to take it a little further, look up Dr. Horace Smith (aka Bishop Horace Smith), former presiding bishop of the Pentecostal Assembly of the World. He is also a former graduate of CSU. In addition to being a physician and Senior Director of Pediatrics at Childrens Memorial Hospital. It's not the school building, but the desire of the student to be successful in any environment which makes them succeed.
over 1 year agoA CSU Alum.
I graduated with a B.A. from a small private school in Iowa and an M.A. from Univ. of Chgo., before gaining an M.A. from C.S.U. I had a great experience as an African-American student, seeking a predominantly African-American educational experience. There was some bureaucratic red tape, but it was much easier to sift through than at my former experiences.
over 1 year agoCSUsucks
I dont know what this people could say good thing about this school. as a former student of CSU, i can honestly say it's the worst school ever, and its in the south side!!
If you happen to be from the south side of Chicago, you will blend rite in.
almost 2 years agozobop republic publius187 ((at)) lycos dot com
It's sad people are saying bad/negative things about Chicago State University. What the school needs is a non-currupt/non-enept Board of Directors to run the university. I should know, I graduated from CSU; and proud of it!
To Unkown(commentor): As for being a Black student, CSU may be the only 4-year college anyone can get into; I'm sure other colleges have higher and tougher standards to getting in (SAT or ACT scores). Then again that's probably the problem. Now...all we need is a solution to solve it!
over 2 years agoMuhammad muniseki ((at)) yohoo dot com
To those who choose to extol this great institution of learning, good luck. As for the cynics, I advice that they have a 2nd thought, and see if any form of higher education could be compared to ignorance. Kudos to those who work to make others great like this precious school. For me, I will go there like counted of others and be a successful alumnus.
over 2 years agoPRIVATE
Well after I was looking forward to attending this school but after reading that comment I think I'll take my business else where
over 2 years agounknown
ARE YOU KIDDING ME, FOR YOU PEOPLE WHO SAY THIS IS THE BEST SCHOOL, YOU ARE EITHER AN EMPLOYEE OR JUST TAKING ONE UP THE BUTT. I AM ABOUT TO GRADUATE FROM HERE AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT THIS IS THE WORST SCHOOL YOU CAN COME FROM. THE PROFESSORS HERE ARE CRAZY, YOU HAVE TO TEACH YOURSELF IN WHICH I COULD DONE AT HOME. THE STAFF IS FULL OF THEMSELVES. THEY ARE SLOW IN FINANCIAL AID COMPARE TO UIC OR U OF ILL. IF I HAD A CHANCE TO ATTEN ANOTHER SCHOOL, I WOULD HAVE. DON'T NEVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU ATTEND THIS SCHOOL, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE BLACK.
over 2 years agoJoshua ojosudedemaro ((at)) yahoo dot com
I appreciate the loving gestures and wealth of information available on the CSU website. I look forward to having my M.Sc Degree in Economics soonest. I love the green.
over 2 years agochristina
i would really like to go to this school but im afraid i might not be able to afford it since i live in indiana, and out of state fees are ridiculous hopefully i'll get a scholarship.
over 2 years agoCSU employee
Ms. Butler,
Perhaps your comments would be more credible had you proofed them before posting. Many folks at CSU are competent and caring. As a student, you are required to at least monitor your own hours towards graduation, both transfer and other. After all, it is YOUR academic record, and you have easy access to all the info. As an aside, I am not an advisor, or as you call them "counselors". Good luck in your future after graduation.
almost 3 years agoPamela Butler
If you transfer more than 6 credit hours, you
better keep track of them because the counselors can count higher than that. CSU is unable to keep
up with them and then cover their collective behinds when they're mistakes are caught and want to blame you for not doing their job for them. If I had it to do agsin, I would have listened to my advisors at Kennedy=King City College when they told me to go any where else. The advisors have the alphabet soup of degrees behind their name except for the most important CS for common sense.
However, I will continue to fight for my monies long after m graduation.
over 3 years agoS A GOULD sumac3 ((at)) mac dot com
Have worked at Chicago State since 1973! It is, without a doubt, the most beautiful campus in the state. 160 wooded acres, flowers and trees, and oh! the wildlife. Bats, birds, bees, hawks and this year- even two deer showed up in the Wildlife Prairie Garden!
over 3 years agovendor vendor ((at)) vendor dot com
Be careful doing business with this school - your invoice might not be paid for up to a year...maybe never.
over 3 years agoneekyboo neekyboo ((at)) yahoo dot com
I love love love Chicago State University. I have been going since 1998 off and on, and the professors are great! Plus it's affordable and you feel like you are family there, not just a number. The new library is fabulous, and there have been so many improvements at CSU since I first started, it's amazing. I also lived in the dorms my first and second years there and have made friends and had experiences I will never forget. Go Cougars!
over 3 years agoSophonie Live_Lifee0 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I am looking forward to applying to Chicago State University.
It seems Really NiCE.
I hope i get accepted.
almost 4 years agoG. Gilbert geo_HAR83 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I am a retired senior who is planning to resume a delayed education process. On speaking with a friend, it was suggested I register at Chicago State. I look forward to doing so within the next 1-3 months.
almost 4 years agovictor Floresvictor56 ((at)) yahoo dot com
this sounds like a nice school to me.
almost 4 years agovictor floresvictor56 ((at)) yahoo dot com
i would like to attend this school after i graduate high school.
almost 4 years agokevin kevin ((at)) brazilmail dot com
this seems like a pretty good school
about 4 years agoEmeka vicent_online ((at)) yahoo dot com
I know the popularity of the school when my friend i am checting with directed me to the shool,that why i am recommending about it for people that are interesting in finding a comfortable university to go, it is the best.
about 4 years agoAndrew Denton III adthree ((at)) comcast dot net
I earned both a BA and an MA at Chicago State. The business education and educational adminstration foundation helped me have an outstanding career with the Chicago Public School System. I found the CSU graduates were very successful within CPS and surrounding community systems. I retired in February of 2006 as an administrator. I graduated in December of 1972.
Thank You Chicago State University
about 4 years agoKofi kmensah3 ((at)) yahoo dot com
This is a university that is supporting of its students.I had a great experience. Teachers are dedicated and actually want you to grauate.
about 4 years agoEric eric dot arenas99 ((at)) gmail dot com
This university is a good university. It has a wonderful new library. Plus, the teachers are always available after class during their office hours
over 4 years agoAlma Sheckles Queengran ((at)) hotmail dot com
I graduated from this great Univesity in 1993. I think it is a great school with many dedicated teachers, such as, Sloan Letman, Dr. Rhodes, Bloss and I will never forget Dr. Aetha Hunt for the knowledge he shared. This isjust to name a few. They were always there to go that extra mile. I have been working in the field of Social work since my graduation. I had no problems getting jobs and promotions. This is a great school for people who are serious about learning. It was a great experience for me.
over 4 years agodulce shortykl55 ((at)) yahoo dot com
IT SEEM LIKE A GOOD SCHOOL AND I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING AFTER HIGH SCHOOL!!=]=]
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david ((at)) yahoo dot com
Chicago State University, why is it that the school presidents and the board members want to steal from this school. It is not the school. It is the people in it. Corruption, racist, low self-esteem, party to much, not focus, and down right evil. Not like, Illinois, Illinois state, NIU and so on. Chicago State is breeding ground for criminals. The dorms is occupied by neighborhood kids. Why is that? The enrollment can increase if they allow the students like deans honors, nursing, pharmacy, sports, internation, and 5% chicago student to live in the dorms. This will all the 5% of the chicago native students to experience the world of a good study habit not just roaming the dorms.