Illinois · College profile

Chicago State University: SAT & ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate and Costs

Chicago State University is a public four-year university in Chicago, Illinois, enrolling about 1,384 undergraduates. It admits roughly 43% of applicants, which makes it moderately selective relative to four-year colleges nationally.

Chicago State University campus
Photo: Zol87 ยท CC BY-SA 2.0

SAT and ACT scores at Chicago State University

Chicago State University does not report SAT or ACT score ranges in the most recent federal data, which usually means a test-optional or test-free policy with too few submitted scores to publish. Check the admissions office for the current cycle before deciding whether to send scores.

Admissions and selectivity

MeasureValue
Acceptance rate43.3%
Undergraduate enrollment1,384
Student–faculty ratio9:1
SettingCity
ControlPublic

Cost and financial aid

MeasureAmount
In-state tuition and fees$12,754
Out-of-state tuition and fees$12,754
Room and board$11,550
Average net price (first-year students)$12,335
Students receiving Pell grants57.9%
Students taking federal loans78.1%
Median federal loan debt at graduation$21,500

Net price is the number that matters: $12,335 is what a typical first-year student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price. Run the college's own net price calculator with your family's numbers before ruling it out on cost.

Graduation and earnings outcomes

MeasureValue
Graduation rate (6-year)15.5%
First-year retention57.3%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$42,778
Students who are first-generation42.0%

Most popular majors

Shares are of bachelor's degrees awarded, so a concentrated list usually signals a college known for those programs.

How your score compares

Take a free adaptive practice test on FunSAT, get an unofficial score estimate, and see exactly where you land inside Chicago State University's reported range alongside the rest of your college list.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the acceptance rate at Chicago State University?

Chicago State University admits about 43.3% of applicants according to the most recent U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

Does Chicago State University require SAT or ACT scores?

The most recent federal data lists Chicago State University's testing policy as "Considered". Policies change yearly, so confirm with the admissions office for your application cycle.

How much does Chicago State University cost?

Published tuition and fees are $12,754 in-state and $12,754 out-of-state, but the average first-year student pays a net price of $12,335 after grant aid.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, Most-Recent-Cohorts-Institution. May 2026 release (file published 2026-05-26). Score ranges and costs are reported by the institution to the U.S. Department of Education and can lag the current admissions cycle by a year or more.

FunSAT is a free browser-based SAT and ACT prep app: digital SAT and ACT practice tests, unofficial score calculators, a built-in graphing calculator, college admissions chances from official U.S. Department of Education data, and a scholarship search. Start free practice →