C
#11 Best Public Universities in Illinois

CSU Admission Requirements

Chicago, Illinois

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Your chances of getting into Chicago State University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

48.5%
Admission Difficulty for Chicago State University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Extremely Easy 
Applicant Competition Average 

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.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

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

Avg. High School GPA 

3.18

Typical High School Grades 

B

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 #49 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.

High School GPA's for admitted Chicago State University students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 9.0% Good
3.75 to 3.99 7.0% Good
3.50 to 3.74 12.0% Avg +
3.25 to 3.49 17.0% Avg +
3.00 to 3.24 17.0% Avg -
2.50 to 2.99 23.0% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 14.0% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 0% Reach
less than 1.00 0% Reach

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

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 Range 

750-963

Applicants Submitting SAT 

72%
SAT Scores for Chicago State University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 420
Math 25th Percentile 330
Composite 25th Percentile 750
SAT Scores for Chicago State University
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 class

Chance 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.

Chicago State University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
963 and Above Good >65%
856 to 963 Avg + 49%-65%
750 to 856 Avg - 34%-49%
644 to 750 Reach 21%-34%
Less than 644 Low <21%
Calculate My Chances 

CSU ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

15-19 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

82%
ACT Scores for Chicago State University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 16
Math 25th Percentile 16
Composite 25th Percentile 15
ACT Scores for Chicago State University
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 class

Chance 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.

Chicago State University admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
19 and Above Good >65%
17 to 19 Avg + 49%-65%
15 to 17 Avg - 34%-49%
13 to 15 Reach 21%-34%
Less than 13 Low <21%
Calculate My Chances 

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Chicago State University admission statistics
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%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

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?

Chicago State University Application Requirements
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

High School Credits Accepted at Chicago State University
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