Your chances of getting into Chicago State University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at CSU is 48.5%. Its admission rate is the 8th lowest in Illinois.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into CSU and can you get accepted?
CSU is a more competitive school to get into. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 3,592 out of the 7,404 who applied were admitted.
Chicago State University typically accepts and attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.18. 5% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into CSU?
49% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Chicago State University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.18 or better
- Earn B grades in high school
- Score 860 on the SAT
- Score 17 on the ACT
CSU GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Chicago State University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into CSU are to have around a 3.18 high school GPA. You need about average high school grades.
Even with a competitive GPA, admission to CSU will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at CSU is 3.18 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #48 in Illinois for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since CSU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.2 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
CSU SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Chicago State University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 72% of students submitted SAT scores and 82% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 420 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 330 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 750 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 510 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 453 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 963 |
| Average SAT Score | 860
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Chicago State University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at CSU is 860 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 750-963. Students who get into Chicago State University score in the top 95 percent of all SAT test takers.. CSU ranks #51 in the state of Illinois for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 860 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. CSU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 750 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 750, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 640, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Chicago State University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 860 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 856, you have around a 49% chance of being admitted. A 963 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 65% chance of getting in.
CSU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 16 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 16 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 15 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 20 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 18 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 19 |
| Average ACT Score | 17
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into CSU?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to CSU is 17, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 15 and 19. The school ranks #45 in Illinois for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 17. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 15 and score in the score in the top 81 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 13.
Scoring well on the ACT is very important as 82 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Chicago State University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Chicago State University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into CSU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 17 score has around 49% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 65% with a 19 ACT score.
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 4,745 | 2,624 | 7,404 |
| Accepted | 2,478 | 1,099 | 3,592 |
| Acceptance Rate | 52% | 42% | 49% |
| Enrolled | 104 | 69 | 173 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 4% | 6% | 5% |
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Chicago State University is $25.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Chicago State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Recommendations | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | Yes |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because CSU is fairly competitive, you have a decent chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.18 GPA, you have a good shot at getting in. An SAT score of 860 will further improve your application. If you can get a 963 on the SAT you will have a very good chance on getting in. Additionally a 17 on the ACT places you in a strong position.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Chicago State University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=144005 IPEDS survey data for Chicago State University.
Last updated February 24, 2024