Chicago State University
Chicago, Illinois · Public · 43.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 16/100 · Poor Value
Chicago State University scores 16 (Poor Value), near the absolute bottom of this site's distribution. The completion rate of 15.5% is the most alarming figure on this page: fewer than 1 in 6 students who enroll earns a degree within 6 years. The 24.3-year payback period reflects median 6-year earnings of $32,200 against a net price of $12,335. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.951 and repayment rate of 34.3% confirm that graduates who do carry debt are struggling significantly to repay it. Median debt of $30,625 is unusually high for a school at this price point, indicating substantial over-borrowing relative to the credential obtained. CSU is a historically Black university on Chicago's South Side serving a predominantly low-income student body (57.9% Pell).
The data raises concerns about Chicago State University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score16/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- 6-year graduation rate15.5% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
- Payback period24.3 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Chicago State University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $12,754/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $12,754/yr |
| Average net price | $12,335/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $49,340 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,778 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $32,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $30,625 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $325 |
| Estimated payback period | 24.3 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 15.5% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,384 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Chicago State University is $12,754/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $12,335/year, or roughly $49,340 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,073/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $28,427/year.
The median graduate leaves with $30,625 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $325 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $42,778 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.95 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,073 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,550 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,334 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,899 |
| $110,001+ | $28,427 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The lowest income bracket (0-$30,000) pays $9,073 per year -- an affordable absolute cost. But the 15.5% completion rate means the majority of low-income students who enroll will not earn a degree. With a 24.3-year payback even for completers, and median debt of $30,625, the financial risk for low-income non-completers is severe. The low net price is not a sufficient justification given the institutional outcomes.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families in the $48,001-75,000 range pay $11,334 per year. These costs are not high, but the completion rate and debt data make the financial risk high regardless of family income. Middle-income families have better low-cost options in the Illinois public system (Northeastern Illinois, Illinois State, UIC) with significantly better completion rates.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $28,427 per year -- a significant premium over lower brackets that reflects reduced aid for higher-income families. High-income families choosing CSU are an unusual population; those who do attend should understand the institutional risks clearly.
Earnings by Major
Top 9 most popular majors at Chicago State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $47,168 | F |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $53,181 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,691 | D |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $45,762 | F |
| Registered Nursing | $92,024 | D |
| Biology | $46,898 | D |
| Sociology | $51,485 | D |
| Teacher Education | $59,296 | D |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $28,643 | F |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing is CSU's highest-earning program: 16 graduates, $63,869 year-one, $92,024 at year four. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.813 (ROI grade D) is severe -- median debt of $51,937 against nursing earnings that are competitive in the Chicago market. The $51,937 median debt is the highest of any nursing program on this site, suggesting unusually heavy borrowing. Nursing graduates in Chicago can earn well, but the debt load at CSU undermines what should be a strong financial outcome.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration graduates 43 students with $42,882 year-one and $53,181 at year four. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.989 (ROI grade D) is near parity -- median debt of $42,394 is almost equal to year-one earnings. Monthly debt payments consume a very large share of income from day one. Year-four earnings of $53k are modest for Chicago's business market. The debt-to-earnings ratio reflects the institution's structural over-borrowing problem across programs.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice graduates 33 students with $35,419 year-one and $57,691 at year four. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.931 (ROI grade D) reflects median debt of $32,974. Year-four earnings of $57k suggest law enforcement or corrections career progression in the Chicago metro, but the near-term debt burden is severe. Students pursuing public safety careers should exhaust lower-debt options before choosing CSU.
Psychology
Psychology graduates 51 students with $29,967 year-one earnings and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.304 (ROI grade F) -- median debt of $39,075 against $29,967 year-one earnings is a financially devastating ratio. Debt exceeds annual earnings. This is one of the worst program-level ROI outcomes on this site, and it reflects both the modest earnings of psychology graduates and the systematic over-borrowing at CSU.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 26.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 34.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 32.5% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 36.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 43.3% |
| Enrollment | 1,384 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 57.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,878 |
At 43.3% acceptance with no reported test scores, CSU is moderately selective relative to its outcomes. The admission rate does not reflect strong academic filtering; it likely reflects application volume from students who decide not to attend or who do not complete the application process. Students who are admitted and enroll face serious completion barriers that the institution should address transparently.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Chicago State's peers include Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Lincoln University-MO, Western New Mexico University, and Henderson State University. At ROI score 16, CSU is one of the lowest-scoring institutions on this site. Its 15.5% completion rate is the most extreme metric on the platform. Even within its peer group of under-resourced public universities, CSU's outcomes are significantly worse than comparably priced institutions.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago State University (this school) | 16 | $12,335 | $42,778 |
| Governors State University | 63 | $12,329 | $58,169 |
| Eastern Illinois University | 54 | $12,786 | $51,989 |
| Henderson State University | 25 | $23,405 | $43,459 |
| Western New Mexico University | 17 | $8,522 | $39,095 |
| Lincoln University | 10 | $19,092 | $39,463 |
Who Thrives Here
Chicago State admits 43.3% of applicants, which is more selective than its outcomes might suggest. With only 1,384 enrolled students, the campus is small despite being a public institution. The 57.9% Pell grant rate reflects the predominantly low-income student population that CSU serves on Chicago's South Side. The 15.5% completion rate is the defining institutional challenge: most students who enroll do not finish. Students considering CSU should seek out institutional support resources, academic advising, and financial aid counseling -- the completion data indicates structural barriers beyond individual preparation.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Chicago State University. With a net cost of $12,335 per year and median graduate earnings of only $42,778 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 24.3 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 15.5% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $30,625 against $42,778 in earnings is concerning. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 exceeds the commonly recommended threshold. Major choice is critical here.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.