Chicago State University women's soccer team walking in a parade while holding a large, green CSU mascot flag.

Admitted Students

Attend an Admitted Student Event

Experience campus life firsthand. Check your Student Status Portal for upcoming events and registration details. The next event will be held virtually on March 1st.

Congratulations on your admission to Chicago State University!

You’ve worked hard to get here! Now, it’s time to turn your acceptance into action. This guide outlines everything you need to do step-by-step to officially become a CSU Cougar. Keep this handy, and as a quick checklist, as you and your family prepare for the journey ahead.

Your Next Steps to Becoming a CSU Cougar

Confirm your intent to enrollFour Chicago State University track and field athletes smiling while sitting together on bleachers. 

Make it official – say YES to CSU! Confirm your intent to enroll to secure your place in the Cougar family today.

 

Complete Your New Student Orientation Checklist

Your journey begins with the Admitted Student Kick-Off, offered both virtually and on campus—choose the option that works best for you!

During this exciting event, you’ll be guided through your next steps:

  1. Register for an Advising Session to plan your first-semester courses.
  2. Register for New Student Orientation.
  3. Apply for CSU Housing (optional).
  4. Register for RISE Academy (for freshmen and transfer students with fewer than 24 college credits).

Get ready to experience what it truly means to be a CSU Cougar! Orientation sessions are held throughout the summer for both freshmen and transfer students — choose the date that works best for you.

During orientation, you’ll: 

  • Claim your CSU Account to access your email and student portal. 
  • Meet your classmates, advisors, and student leaders. 
  • Finalize your fall course schedule and take a guided campus tour showing you where your classes will be. 
  • Get your official Cougar ID. 
  • Learn about campus life, resources, and student support services.

You’ve completed orientation — now it’s time to get fully Cougar-ready! Finish these last few steps to start your semester strong:

  • Complete the New Student Enrollment Survey so we can better support your transition.
  • Obtain your CSU Parking Pass if you plan to commute. 
  • Register for Welcome Week activities to kick off your first days on campus with fun, friends, and Cougar pride!

 

 

Spread Your Cougar News!

Download graphics for Instagram, TikTok and social media and spread your choice across your social media platforms. Click on the image thumbnail to download.

Format Cougar Bound CSU Pennant I Choose CSU
Facebook Cover Green cougar head logo with "COUGAR BOUND" text in a wide horizontal banner. Horizontal banner featuring a green CSU pennant pointing right and the Chicago State book tree logo in the background. Wide, CSU green banner with bold "I CHOOSE CSU" text in bright green.
Landscape Wide rectangular version of the Cougar Bound logo. Wide view of the green Chicago State University pennant. Horizontal layout of the "I CHOOSE CSU" graphic.
Mobile Display Small, compact square version of the Cougar Bound logo. Small icon of the CSU pennant angled diagonally. Small square icon featuring the "I CHOOSE CSU" slogan.
Portrait Vertically oriented Cougar Bound logo with "Chicago State University" text at the bottom. Large, vertically angled CSU pennant with a faded crest in the background. Vertical banner with "I CHOOSE CSU" text and university logo at the bottom.
Screensaver Horizontal Wide-screen layout of the Cougar Bound logo on a dark blue background. Wide desktop background featuring the green CSU pennant. Wide-screen desktop version of the "I CHOOSE CSU" graphic.
Screensaver Vertical Tall, vertical orientation of the Cougar Bound logo for mobile screens. Tall mobile background featuring the green CSU pennant. Tall vertical layout of the "I CHOOSE CSU" graphic.
Square Large, high-resolution square version of the Cougar Bound logo. Large square graphic of the CSU pennant angled across the frame. Large square "I CHOOSE CSU" graphic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started at CSU

Students receive their email and identification credentials after registering for courses during New Student Orientation.

Student ID numbers are available in the CSU application portal, located beneath the Referral ID section.

Yes, you can update your email by contacting admissions@csu.edu. Please indicate that you would like to update your current email address.

Join our Admitted Student Community to connect with other incoming CSU students. More information will be sent to your CSU email in the coming weeks.

Enrollment Requirements

Fifteen credit hours are considered full-time enrollment at CSU.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Chicago State University offers a variety of scholarships, including merit-based and need-based scholarship opportunities. Students may qualify for the R.I.S.E. Academy scholarship, which covers first-year tuition and fees. Students who successfully complete the first year of the program may receive a $4,000 stipend for their second year. Most institutional scholarships are last dollar and therefore not visible on the Financial Aid Offer until all other grants and scholarships have been applied. 

Grants and scholarships are typically applied to student accounts after the last day to add/drop courses.

Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) as early as possible to maximize eligibility for grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. The FAFSA for the upcoming academic year is available no later than October 1st

Housing

Housing costs vary depending on the selected option. On average, housing ranges from $1,800 to $5,200 per semester. 

Triplet room - $1,800 per semester 
Double - $2,600 per semester 
Single/studio - $4,000 per semester

Single/studio - $5,200 semester 
Double - $4,400 per semester

All housing plans include two meal plan options for students to choose from.

All Fall 2026 confirmed applicants will receive the housing application prior to the start of the fall 2026 semester. Students should log in using their CSU portal credentials. Visit the housing website for additional details.

Yes. When applying for housing, you select from two preferences – on campus or off campus and single or double. Options are first, come first served.  

Yes. However, the cost remains the same regardless of the status. Our Financial Aid department can assist with your housing needs based on your income. Please contact our Financial Aid department. 

Yes. Some scholarships may be applied toward housing expenses. Housing scholarships may also be available after completing the application, submitting a FAFSA, and registering for courses. 

Grants and scholarships are applied in August.  

Yes, you can secure on-campus housing or off-campus housing. We recommend applying early.

Our Band scholarship primarily covers tuition and fees. You may be able to use any tuition or scholarship based on overage towards housing.

Meal Plans

Meal plan pricing and options can be found on the CSU Housing website, which provides information about housing and dining options available to qualified students.

R.I.S.E Academy

R.I.S.E. Academy meets Monday through Friday for five weeks during summer. Participants attend classes, workshops, and activities designed to prepare them for their first year at CSU.

Student Life & Employment

There are several work-study options available on campus. CSU hosts a career fair prior to the fall semester, giving students the opportunity to learn about available campus employment. Contact the Financial Aid Department to learn more about campus employment.

Health Requirements

All confirmed applicants must submit immunization records to wellness@csu.edu, or by fax at 773-995-2953. If you are emailing your records, please include your phone number. Please note that replies to this inbox are not monitored due to HIPAA regulations.