CSU Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at CSU is 40.5%.  Its admission rate is the 5th lowest in Illinois and the 182nd lowest the nation.

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, 3,832 out of the 9,458 who applied were admitted.

Chicago State University typically accepts and attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.18. 6% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into CSU?

41% 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

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.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required by Chicago State University. The school has a test blind policy.

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

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 considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 860 SAT score range.

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 41% chance of being admitted. A 963 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 57% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

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 #47 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 considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

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 41% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 57% with a 19 ACT score.

Admission Statistics

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

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Chicago State University is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Chicago State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

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.