Top Ranked Programs
Chicago State University's program mix reflects a Liberal Arts-oriented identity, with Business representing 12% of graduates, Education at 7%, and Social Sciences at 4%. The largest programs by enrollment are General Studies with 44 graduates, followed by Psychology, General with 42 graduates earning median earnings of $47,168 four years after enrollment, Criminal Justice with 35 graduates earning $57,691, Business Administration with 35 graduates earning $53,181, and Nursing with 26 graduates earning $92,024. Across 0 ranked programs serving roughly 272 students annually, earnings outcomes vary meaningfully by field. The highest-earning programs at Chicago State University cluster in applied and professional fields. Nursing leads with median earnings of $92,024 four years after enrollment across 26 graduates, followed by Teacher Education with 13 graduates earning $59,296, Criminal Justice with 35 graduates earning $57,691, Business Administration with 35 graduates earning $53,181, and Psychology, General with 42 graduates earning $47,168. These earnings patterns reflect the institution's positioning as an accessible urban public university where program choice significantly shapes early-career financial outcomes. Many of Chicago State University's programs in the liberal arts and social sciences prepare graduates for direct workforce entry in education, public administration, and community-based roles where four-year earnings reflect immediate labor-market outcomes. The [supply and demand for college graduates](/analysis/supply-demand-map-college-degrees/) provides context for how these program families align with regional and national labor-market demand in the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond.