Two ratings: the overall grade compares colleges the conventional way (outcomes, cost, resources, experience, reputation). The Outcome Rating asks what students earn: 60% wage-adjusted earnings 10 years after enrolling, 25% graduation, 15% retention. Methodology
Quick Stats
Earnings, Debt & Completion
What happens to students who enroll at Chicago State University, from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Typical debt at graduation equals about 72% of one year’s median earnings ten years after entry.
Earnings rank: 10th percentile among bachelor’s-degree-focused colleges after a partial adjustment for local wage levels (IL wage index 1.04). This drives the Outcome Rating.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved Oct 2026. Earnings are for federally aided students who enrolled, whether or not they graduated.
Earnings by Major at Chicago State University
Median pay of bachelor's degree graduates by field of study, and how each program ranks against every college reporting that major — by raw pay and adjusted for state wage levels. Same school, very different paychecks.
| Major | 1 yr after | 4 yrs after | vs. national | Rank (pay) | Rank (wage-adj.) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $63,869 | $92,024 | +4% | #271 of 966 | #399 | $34,060 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | — | $59,296 | +25% | #42 of 680 | #38 | $37,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $35,419 | $57,691 | +4% | #225 of 660 | #304 | $28,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,882 | $53,181 | -22% | #1020 of 1176 | #1071 | $30,497 |
| Sociology | $42,687 | $51,485 | -2% | #252 of 462 | #266 | $31,250 |
| Psychology | $29,967 | $47,168 | -7% | #693 of 1027 | #774 | $30,886 |
| Biology | — | $46,898 | -18% | #758 of 841 | #790 | $25,708 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $45,762 | — | — | — | — | $37,279 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $28,643 | — | — | — | — | $31,750 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study data. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working; small programs are not reported.
The Chicago State University Town Property Report
- Avg home value near campus: $148,745
- Avg rent near campus: $1,723/mo — vs ~$583/mo campus room rate
- Top nearby ZIP by cap rate: 60419 (11.3% cap, Dolton)
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Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $8,040 | $8,040 |
| Room | $5,250 | |
| Board | $6,300 | |
| Total Cost (On-Campus) | $31,704 | $31,704 |
Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
| Family Income | Average Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,025 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,674 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,729 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,801 |
| $110,001+ | $9,392 |
Programs & Career Paths
Top Degree Programs
Programs ranked by number of degrees awarded annually.
Related Career Paths
Careers that graduates from Chicago State University's top programs commonly pursue.
Student Demographics
👥 Race & Ethnicity
🏠 Living Arrangements
💻 Learning Mode
📊 Age Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Chicago State University?
How much does it cost to attend Chicago State University?
What is the graduation rate at Chicago State University?
Is Chicago State University a good school?
- Outcomes (D): Graduation and retention rates
- Affordability (B): Net cost and financial aid access
- Resources (B+): Class sizes and selectivity
- Experience (B): Campus life and learning format
- Prestige (C): Reputation and recognition
How many students attend Chicago State University?
Deciding between a dorm and buying near campus? Run the numbers for Chicago State University — four years of dorm costs vs. owning, including what you’d recover at resale. Buy vs Dorm calculator →
🎓 Similar Colleges to Chicago State University
Compare with other 4-Year public institutions of similar size.
Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: October 2026 | Methodology