College Access Network

Application Opens

• Common Application: August 1
• CSU Cougar Application: October 1

Priority Deadline

1

You must submit your students’ applications by 11:59 p.m. CT on December 1 of the current year. All required documents must be received by December 6 of the current year. Meeting this deadline allows your students to be considered for admittance to CSU’s Honors College and merit awards.

Regular Deadline

15

You must submit your students applications by 11:59 p.m. CT on July 15. All required documents must be received by July 23. Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered based on space availability. Please note that the Common Application closes on July 1, and after this date, the CSU Cougar Application will be the only option for applying. 

Applicants with a Grade Point Average (GPA) between 2.0 and 2.49 on an unweighted 4.0 scale must submit a completed application by July 1 to be considered for Fall 2025 admission.

Admissions Notification

Applicants will be notified of their admissions decisions beginning in late October to early November. After that, all applicants with a completed application on file will receive an admissions decision within 14 days of their application being processed. 

Honors College Notification

Starting in mid-January, applicants who applied by December 1 will begin receiving their acceptance decisions for the CSU Honors College. Learn more about our Honors College>> 

Confirmation Deadline

1

National College Decision Day is just around the corner on May 1! Don't wait—secure your spot at Chicago State University and join our vibrant community. If you're ready to take the next step, accept your offer today through your myCSUCougarPortal and ensure your place at CSU!

Students may apply through the Common Application or the CSU Cougar Application.

Required documents:

• High school transcript
• ACT/SAT scores (optional)
• Fee waivers are available through Common App or by request from CSU Admissions. 

Most applications receive at least two readings, and we check all preliminary decisions to ensure a high level of consistency. A minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required for direct admission. Students with an unweighted GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 may qualify for the SuccessU Program, an educational support-focused initiative designed to help them succeed.

For Major/Option Degree Codes here.

Paper Copies

All official, physical transcripts and other required documentation must be sent directly from the issuing institution via postal mail to:

Office of Admissions

Chicago State University

9501 S. King Drive, ADM 126

Chicago, IL 60628

Electronic Copies

We accept electronic transcripts sent through one of the following vendors:

• Parchment

• National Student Clearinghouse

• Naviance

• ScribOrder

• CommonApp (first-year applicants)

• Schoolinks

International Transcript

Please submit certified copies of all international transcripts.

• A course-by-course evaluation is required from a NACES-approved evaluation service. For more information and a list of approved services, visit NACES.

CSU offers several programs to support first-generation and underrepresented students:

• RISE Academy: A free five-week program providing personalized academic advising and mentorship to help students transition to university life. Students who complete RISE receive their first year of tuition and fees covered.
• SuccessU Program: A free two-semester initiative offering academic support, specialized advising, freshman seminars, and access to RISE Academy to help freshmen build foundational skills, succeed in their first year, and transition to their chosen major.
• Inclusive Campus Resources: Multicultural student organizations, mental health services, and leadership development programs foster a sense of belonging and success.
• Beyond the Classroom: Internship and research opportunities across various fields, along with Federal Work-Study positions, provide students with hands-on experience and financial support.

CSU provides multiple scholarship options, including:

• AIM High Scholarship
• RISE Scholar Program
• Academic Scholarships: Apply here.

CSU uses unweighted GPA for admissions decisions.

• Fall Priority Deadline: December 1
• Regular Deadline: August 1

CSU has adopted a test-optional policy for undergraduate admissions. SAT or ACT scores are not required for most applicants. Students can choose to submit test scores, but their application will be considered regardless of score submission.

CSU accepts dual credit and AP credits that meet its academic standards:

• Dual Credit: Students must send an official college transcript from the credit-granting institution.
• AP Credit: Students need a score of 3 or higher on the AP exam. Official AP scores must be sent directly from the College Board.

CSU supports undocumented students through:

• In-State Tuition: Eligible DACA recipients can receive in-state tuition rates.
• Alternative Application: A FAFSA alternative for undocumented students.
• Scholarships: Learn more here.

CSU remains committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive student body despite changes to affirmative action policies.

Students can refer to the CSU Catalog for the latest updates on programs and majors.

CSU offers:

• Guidance for mixed-status families completing the FAFSA or Alternative Application.
• A diverse and inclusive campus environment as a predominantly Black institution with growing diversity.

CSU does not require foreign language courses for admission.

CSU’s Abilities Office provides accommodations and resources tailored to students with learning differences.

CSU emphasizes affordability through various scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs. The Financial Aid Office can help students and families explore options to make college more accessible.

Application Deadline

• Please go here>>

Priority Deadline

1

You must submit your students’ applications by 11:59 p.m. CT on December 1 of the current year. All required documents must be received by December 6 of the current year. Meeting this deadline allows your students to be considered for admittance to CSU’s Honors College and merit awards.

Regular Deadline

15

You must submit your students applications by 11:59 p.m. CT on July 15. All required documents must be received by July 23. Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered based on space availability. Please note that the Common Application closes on July 1, and after this date, the CSU Cougar Application will be the only option for applying. 

Applicants with a Grade Point Average (GPA) between 2.0 and 2.49 on an unweighted 4.0 scale must submit a completed application by July 1 to be considered for Fall 2025 admission.

Admissions Notification

Applicants will be notified of their admissions decisions beginning in late October to early November. After that, all applicants with a completed application on file will receive an admissions decision within 14 days of their application being processed. 

Honors College Notification

Starting in mid-January, applicants who applied by December 1 will begin receiving their acceptance decisions for the CSU Honors College. Learn more about our Honors College>>

Students may apply through the CSU Cougar Application. Applicants who have earned an associate degree or have more than 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours of earned college level coursework must submit the following requirements to complete the admission application:

• Official College transcript (s) from each college or university attended
• The $25 non-refundable application fee or Fee Waiver Request Form** Applicants who have earned less than 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours of earned college level coursework must also meet freshman requirements and submit the following to complete the admission application:
• Official College transcript (s) from each college or university attended
• Official High School transcript, or GED test results, or home-schooled portfolio
• The $25 non-refundable application fee or Fee Waiver Request Form***

**request from CSU Admissions.

Most applications receive at least two readings, and we check all preliminary decisions to ensure a high level of consistency. A minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for direct admission.

For Major/Option Degree Codes here.

Paper Copies

All official, physical transcripts and other required documentation must be sent directly from the issuing institution via postal mail to:

Office of Admissions

Chicago State University

9501 S. King Drive, ADM 126

Chicago, IL 60628

Electronic Copies

We accept electronic transcripts sent through one of the following vendors:

• Parchment
• National Student Clearinghouse
• Naviance
• ScribOrder

International Transcript

Please submit certified copies of all international transcripts.

• A course-by-course evaluation is required from a NACES-approved evaluation service. For more information and a list of approved services, visit NACES.

Please go here

CSU requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Cumulative GPA is a combined GPA from all attended regional accredited colleges and universities.

If your cumulative unweighted GPA is below 2.0, you’ll need to improve it first before transferring.

CSU participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), and IAI-approved courses will transfer to meet CSUs general education requirements. Completing the IAI General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) will ensure your general education requirements are fulfilled at CSU.

The registrar staff must complete the evaluations for incoming undergraduate transfer students as well as those undergraduate students who have filed for graduation and require degree audits. Credit evaluations can take up to Tracked Change 14 days to be completed.

Credits are transferred automatically at no charge for students admitted to the university with received final official transcripts. CSU grants full credit for most courses completed with a “C” grade or higher from any regionally accredited institution. CSU will accept all General education courses with a “D” or higher.

Yes, CSU requires official transcripts from every institution where you have taken college-level coursework. Each transcript is necessary to ensure all possible credits are evaluated for transfer.

If you have fewer than 24 semester hours of college credit, you must submit an official high school transcript. If you have earned 24 or more college-level credits, a high school transcript is typically not required unless requested for verification purposes.

The Transfer Evaluation System (TES) is CSU's major system for tracking transfer credit equivalencies. This system will show you how your college courses will be evaluated for transfer credit. If you are looking for a course or courses in TES that have not been reviewed, this does not imply that you will not earn credit upon transfer. Rather, it shows that we have not had the opportunity to assess the class in issue.

Only 66 credit hours from all regionally accredited two-year institutions or a maximum of 88 semester credit hours from a regionally accredited four-year institution will be accepted for transfer credit. When transferring credit from a four-year and two-year institution, at most, we accept 88 credit hours.

CSU follows a policy of course repeat forgiveness, where the most recent grade replaces the failing grade in GPA calculations. However, both the original and repeated course grades will appear on your transcript.

Transferable courses allow students to acquire college credits, maintain their academic standing, and complete their degrees without having to retake courses. Transfer credits might also assist students change schools.