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Chicago State University

9501 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60628-1598, USA

Chicago State University award
Chicago State University award
US ranking
position: 257
Tuition & fees per year: $11,352
Acceptance rate: 41.00%
Median alumni salary: $39,592
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: Easy

What does Chicago State University offer in terms of athletics?

Chicago State University provides a variety of athletic opportunities through its participation in NCAA Division I sports. The university's teams, known as the Cougars, compete primarily in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and offer programs for both men and women.

Men's sports at Chicago State include basketball, baseball, and cross country, while women's athletics feature basketball, cross country, track and field, and volleyball. This range of sports allows student-athletes to compete at a high level while representing their university.

In addition to varsity sports, the university supports a commitment to student engagement in athletics by fostering a competitive yet inclusive environment. Prospective students interested in balancing academics with collegiate sports will find options to develop their skills and compete regionally and nationally.

What student groups and Associations are available at Chicago State University?

Chicago State University offers a range of student groups and associations aimed at enhancing the campus experience and fostering community engagement. Currently, the university reports a total student population of 981, with 321 men and 660 women.

Details regarding specific student organizations and the percentage of students participating in social groups at Chicago State University are not available at this time.

Who studies at Chicago State University?

Chicago State University hosts a diverse group of students spanning a wide range of ages, academic levels, and ethnic backgrounds. The undergraduate population includes many traditional-age students, with 281 individuals aged 18 to 19, but also a significant number of older learners, including 228 aged 25 to 29 and 109 between 40 and 49. Graduate students tend to be older on average, with the largest groups between 22 and 49 years old, including 147 aged 22 to 24 and 149 aged 40 to 49.

The university's enrollment includes an average-sized group of new freshmen, numbering 222, placing this figure in the lower 35th percentile compared to similar institutions. Transfer student enrollment is also moderate, with 226 new transfer students, positioning Chicago State University in the lower 45th percentile. Overall first-year student enrollment stands at 448, again reflecting below-average intake relative to peer institutions.

Ethnic composition at Chicago State University shows a strong representation of African American students, with 1,077 individuals enrolled, a figure that ranks in the top 35th percentile nationally. Hispanic students number 99, categorized as average and in the bottom 40 percentiles. White students and those identifying with two or more races account for smaller populations, with 39 and 30 students respectively, both groups falling within the lower 35th percentile brackets. Asian students make up a modest portion with 10 individuals enrolled, also rated average but positioned in the bottom 40 percent.

Other ethnic groups such as Native American students total 5, falling into an average range but in the lower 45th percentile. The university also includes 97 students whose ethnicity is unknown, a number typical in comparison to similar institutions.

How does student life look like at Chicago State University?

Student life at Chicago State University includes a variety of cultural and artistic opportunities. The campus supports drama, radio, band, and chorus programs, providing students with multiple avenues for creative expression and involvement. While there is no campus newspaper or television station, students can engage with these other media and performance activities.

Support services on campus address students' health and well-being with facilities such as a health clinic and psychological counseling. Additionally, the university offers programs through a veterans affairs office and a women's center, which cater to specific student groups and their needs.

The campus spans an area of 161 units, fostering a community environment. The total enrollment is approximately 2,324 students, with a student-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, indicating relatively small class sizes that may allow for more personalized attention from faculty.

What libraries are available to students at Chicago State University?

Chicago State University offers library services primarily through the Gwendolyn Brooks Center, its main library. The university maintains a singular library facility, placing it in the lower percentiles for the number of libraries available compared to other institutions. With a collection of 381,247 books, the library's holdings are moderate but rank near the middle relative to peer institutions.

The university provides access to 260 subscriptions and around 23,084 digital subscriptions, both reflecting average but relatively modest availability. Additionally, the collection includes 58,228 ebooks, which is considered low compared to similar universities. Chicago State University supports 142 research databases, placing it squarely in the middle range for database resources.

Students benefit from both physical facilities and digital access to the library's resources, alongside access to shared collections beyond the university's own holdings. The library supports study rooms and employs trained staff to assist students. While it provides established hours of operation, the facility does not offer all-day access.

Chicago State University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

2324

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

144

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

502 full time, 96 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Chicago State University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Gwendolyn Brooks Center

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Chicago State University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Chicago State University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Chicago State University Location & Map

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