Chicago State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Chicago State’s test-optional policy gives you flexibility, but a 43% acceptance rate means strong SAT or ACT results can still strengthen your application. If your GPA is near the 3.18 average, aim to submit scores only when they are comfortably above Chicago State’s typical admitted-student range.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Chicago State University facts and stats
Chicago State University is an urban public institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,501 students. Chicago State has a 57% freshman retention rate and a 15% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.
Chicago, IL
How does your GPA compare at Chicago State?
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
Key Chicago State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
January 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional Chicago State, take your first test by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year for retakes. Because the Regular Decision deadline is August 1, fall retakes will generally be too late for Chicago State and are better saved for other colleges on your list.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Chicago State University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Chicago State, a public NEC school, lists in-state tuition at $8,040 and out-of-state tuition at $8,040. About 92% of students receive financial aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is January 15.
Chicago State’s out-of-state tuition is $8,040, with room and board adding $17,777. Financial aid is common, with 92% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $11,457. At graduation, students leave with an average debt of $29,731.
Student life at Chicago State University
15% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
American Islamic College
Chicago, ILAcceptance rate: 100%
Augustana College
Rock Island, ILAcceptance rate: 62.8%
SAT: 1040–1260
ACT: 21–29
Aurora University
Aurora, ILAcceptance rate: 80.8%
SAT: 900–1160
ACT: 21–29
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, ILAcceptance rate: 100%
Ready to fit Chicago State University's core benchmarks?
Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.