Online Application Instructions

Below are the types of applicants we are currently accepting via this method:

• First-time Freshmen (Never attended college)
• Freshman/Transfer (Less than 24 semester/36 quarter college credit hours)
• Transfer (minimum 24 semester/36 quarter college credit hours)
• Second Bachelors degree
• Student at Large (Visiting Student)
• Dual Enrollment (High school Junior or Senior taking college coursework)  

If you do not fall within any of the above listed categories please contact the Office of Admissions for assistance at (773) 995-2513 or send us an e-mail at admissions@csu.edu.

The online application cannot be used as a readmission application. If you have previously attended Chicago State University (CSU), please call (773) 995-2513.

To complete the online application, simply create your Credential and type your answer in the corresponding fields or select your answers from the drop down lists (where applicable).  Remember, since you will be typing in your own information, you can guarantee the correct spelling of your name and address and other vital information.

 

Undergraduate Students

If you are seeking an undergraduate degree either as a beginning freshman, transfer student or second bachelor's degree, you can use the CSU Application or Common Application.

Use of your Social Security Number (SSN): Your social security number is not required for admission to CSU; however, by providing it, you will help us to match your application materials and is required if you are applying for federal financial aid (FAFSA). The University is committed to ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of student records and will not disclose your SSN without your consent for any purpose except as allowed by law.

Freshmen Applicants (Never attended college) Freshmen need to submit the following to be considered for admission* to CSU:

1. A completed CSU Application or Common Application 
2. Official Transcript from High School(s)
3. OPTIONAL Official ACT/SAT scores Report
4. OPTIONAL Personal Essay - Submit a personal statement no more than 650 words. Include your first and last names along with your date of birth.**
5. OPTIONAL Counselor/Teacher recommendation form

*Some students may be required to interview with our Academic Support Staff.

**Instructions: The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. No hand written essays will be accepted. 

 Essay prompt: Discuss your reasons for wishing to pursue a college degree.

 Transfer Applicants

1. A completed CSU Application
2. Official Transcript from each College/Universities attended

Applicants with 24 or more college-level semester hours must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 grading scale based on ALL college-level work attempted.

Applicants with fewer than 24 earned college-level credits must have at least a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale based on all college-level work attempted, and submit FINAL official high school transcripts.

Second Bachelors Degree

1. A completed CSU Application
2. Official Transcript from each College/Universities attended

Second Bachelor’s Degree applicants must submit official academic transcripts from each college or university attended indicating all college-level work attempted. You are a second bachelor's applicant if you have already been awarded a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college or university and wish to pursue a second bachelors degree.

Student at Large (Visiting Students)

1. A completed CSU Application

2. Transcript or Letter of good standing from the registrar, or the most recent grade report with the cumulative grade point average

Individuals without a Bachelor’s degree who can demonstrate good academic standing (C average) at their last regionally accredited college or university may attend Chicago State University as an undergraduate-at-large student.

Dual Enrollment

1. A complete Dual Enrollment Admissions Application
2. A signed Parental Consent Form,
3. official high school transcript
4. A Signed Recommendation Form completed by a high school guidance counselor or other school official. 

Check the status of your online application. Use the same Login ID and PIN you created when you applied via the web, or, if you submitted a paper application, email us at admissions@csu.edu.  Freshman applying via Common Application must log in to their Common Application portal to review application status.

Crime Awareness and the Clery Act

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 U.S.C. 1092, the Annual Campus Security Report is available on the CSU Police Department website at the CSU Police Department web page.

The Annual Security Report contains crime statistics for the three previous calendar years of reported crimes that occurred on campus or on public property within or immediately adjacent to campus.  It also contains information on (1) the reporting of crimes or emergencies, (2) security of, and access to, campus facilities, (3) university police law enforcement authority, (4) security awareness programs and practices, (5) crime prevention programs, (6) drug and alcohol policy and programs, (7) crime statistics, (8) where to find information on Illinois registered sex offenders, and (9) policy and procedures regarding sexual assault.

Individuals can request a paper copy of the report by submitting a written request to the CSU Police Department, 9501 South King Drive O&M Building Room #210, Chicago, Illinois 60628-1598.  If additional information is required regarding campus safety and security measures, please contact the CSU Police Department at (773) 995-2113.

Additionally, in compliance with Illinois P.A. 95-764, and in an effort to educate the campus community about sexual assault (including prevention and awareness of sex offenses, procedures to follow if a sex offense occurs, procedures for on campus disciplinary action, possible sanctions, and distribution), online resources and campus-sponsored awareness programs are offered on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Information about above policies, procedures, services, and programs can be obtained from the Department of Student Affairs, CSU Police Department and the Student Handbook.

 University and Admission Policies

Chicago State University operates all of its activities and provides all benefits to students and employees without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin or sex. The University does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in admission or access to its programs.

• This application is only valid for the semester that you indicate.  However, you may defer the application for one time only by notifying the Admissions Office in writing four weeks prior to the opening day of the semester that is indicated by your initial application. Otherwise, a new application and fee may be required. 
• All applications and documents will be retained for one year from the semester for which you applied, after which time applications and documents will be discarded if the applicant has not enrolled at the university or deferred the application to a later semester.
• Admission to the University does not imply admission to a particular program.  Colleges and departments may have additional requirements.

• All full-time freshmen are required to participate in the University Assessment Program in Mathematics, English and Reading.

• Some Transfer students may be required to participate in the University Assessment Program in Mathematics, English and Reading. 

If you must make changes after you submit the application, please contact the Office of Admissions. You must apply for admission to one specific program.  See our list of major/programs offered for more information.

Higher Learning Commission