Chicago State University campus

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CSU Demographics & Diversity

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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

Very Low

Racial Diversity Index: 26%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at CSU are mostly Black with a small Hispanic population. The school has very low racial diversity. 97% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

Chicago State University is designated as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and receives federal grants supporting the school's efforts to serve low and middle-income Black Americans.

Racial demographics of Chicago State University students
Race Percent of Students
White
3%
Black
75%
Hispanic
8%
Asian
1%
American Indian / Alaskan
0%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
International
2%
Race Unknown
12%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 42%

There are 135% more female students than male students enrolled at Chicago State University with a gender ratio of 70% women to 30% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, CSU has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for Chicago State University students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
30%
Women
70%
Enrollment by gender for Chicago State University students
Gender Number of Students
Men
669
Women
1,569

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Very Low

Geographic Diversity Index: 30%

CSU draws 70 percent of students from Illinois, 28 percent from other states, and 2 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside Illinois, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for Chicago State University students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
70%
Out of State
28%
Foreign
2%
Unknown Location
0%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$51,518 per year

74% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

2,238
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 57.2%
Part-time undergraduates 34.3%

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to Chicago State University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=144005.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026