Chicago State University stands out for making higher education accessible to students who need it most, with exceptionally low net prices and broad access for low-income and first-generation students.
While completion rates present challenges, the university provides critical educational opportunities in Chicago, particularly for students pursuing nursing and education careers.
Chicago State University serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in Chicago, though it faces significant challenges in student outcomes. The university enrolls a high proportion of students who need financial support—55% receive Pell Grants and 42% are first-generation college students—reflecting its mission to serve underrepresented populations. However, completion rates remain concerning, with only 17% of students graduating within six years and 24% within eight years.
The university's affordability profile is notably strong, ranking in the 78th percentile nationally. Low-income students pay just $8,025 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $12,729, making it one of the more affordable options in Illinois. Despite low completion rates, graduates who do finish see modest earnings growth, with median 10-year earnings of $42,778.
Chicago State represents a complex value proposition: exceptional access and affordability for students who most need it, but with completion and earnings challenges that require careful consideration. For students who can navigate to graduation, particularly in fields like nursing where the university shows strength, outcomes improve significantly. The institution serves a vital role in Chicago's higher education landscape, providing opportunities for students who might otherwise lack access to four-year degrees.
Program selection proves critical at Chicago State University, where outcomes vary dramatically by field of study. Adult Health Nursing emerges as the clear standout, graduating 38 students who earn a median of $61,814 ten years out—nearly 45% higher than the institutional average. This program demonstrates that Chicago State can deliver strong professional outcomes when students complete degrees in high-demand healthcare fields with clear career pathways.
Psychology represents the university's largest program with 66 graduates but shows more modest earnings at $27,358, reflecting the challenges many liberal arts graduates face without additional credentials or graduate school. Adult and Continuing Education, with 20 graduates earning $37,856, represents the university's strength in education-related fields that serve local community needs, though earnings remain below state and national averages.
The program portfolio reflects Chicago State's mission to serve local workforce needs in education, healthcare, and social services. While this focus limits access to high-mobility careers in technology or finance, it does provide pathways into stable, community-oriented professions. Students considering Chicago State should prioritize programs like nursing where the university demonstrates clear strength, as program choice significantly impacts both completion likelihood and career outcomes at this institution.
Chicago State University graduates face mixed financial outcomes, with median earnings of $42,778 ten years after enrollment placing the institution in the bottom 5% nationally for earnings performance. However, graduates do earn slightly more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, showing $1,767 in earnings beyond expectations. This modest advantage suggests that while absolute earnings remain low, the university provides some value relative to comparable institutions serving similar student populations.
Program choice significantly impacts outcomes at Chicago State. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest-return program, with 38 graduates earning a median of $61,814 ten years out—substantially higher than the institutional average. Psychology, the university's largest program with 66 graduates, shows more modest outcomes with median earnings of $27,358. Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn around $37,856, reflecting the university's strength in education-related fields that serve local community needs.
The university's program portfolio concentrates heavily in fields that typically serve local labor markets, including education, social work, and healthcare. While this limits access to high-mobility careers in technology or finance, it does provide pathways into stable, community-focused professions. For students who complete degrees in nursing or education, career prospects improve meaningfully, though the overall institutional earnings profile remains challenging compared with other public universities in Illinois.
Chicago State University excels in affordability, ranking in the 78th percentile nationally for keeping costs manageable across income levels. Low-income students pay just $8,025 per year after aid, well below typical public university costs, while middle-income families see annual expenses around $12,729. Even high-income families pay only $9,392 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to accessible pricing regardless of family financial circumstances.
The university's aid strategy focuses heavily on need-based support, helping to minimize upfront costs for the predominantly low-income student body. With 55% of students receiving Pell Grants, Chicago State serves families who depend on substantial financial assistance to make college possible. The relatively low net prices across all income bands mean that most students can attend without taking on excessive debt during their studies.
Debt levels reflect the university's affordable approach, though completion challenges affect the debt-to-earnings ratio. Students who do graduate typically leave with about $30,625 in federal loans and families sometimes supplement with Parent PLUS loans averaging $12,762. While these amounts are reasonable relative to costs, the university's low completion rates mean that some students accumulate debt without completing degrees, making affordability most meaningful for students who can successfully navigate to graduation.
Chicago State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
