CSU 10-day census reports increased student retention, steady undergraduate enrollment despite challenges with FAFSA

Chicago, IL – [Sept. 25, 2024] –  The Chicago State University (CSU) 10-day enrollment census for the 2024-25 academic year shows that the University’s initiatives and programs to support underrepresented students has had a positive impact on new and current students, despite the delayed rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The census reveals a significant increase in student retention, steady undergraduate student enrollment, and a gain in Rise Academy and dual enrollment students.

CSU’s student enrollment included a 14 percent increase in the University’s Rise Academy, a program with full tuition and fee scholarships along with extensive support during a student’s freshman year. This increase in Rise Academy enrollment not only shows the strength of the program, but the financial need of the students CSU serves. These students are disproportionately impacted by the delays in the FAFSA rollout which, at CSU, includes 90 percent Pell Grant eligible students.

“As we have always known, our students are determined despite the outside challenges that come their way,” said Oscar Rodriguez, Vice President of Enrollment Management at CSU. “The delayed rollout of Federal Student Aid has had an impact across the country. Yet together, CSU, our students and their families worked to ensure students started or continued their college career to help them reach their individual goals.”

The University’s overall retention rate at the 10-day census was 67 percent, up five percent from the previous year. The retention rate increase was driven by year over year retention rate increases with undergraduates (63 percent retention rate, six percent increase), senior-status students (63 percent retention, 13 percent increase), and sophomore students (70 percent retention, four percent increase). These meaningful increases are an indicator that Rise Academy and other Cougar Commitment student success initiatives are effectively supporting students through their critical second year of college and beyond.

Rise Academy and dual enrollment (four percent enrollment increase) are part of CSU’s Cougar Commitment initiative. Cougar Commitment is a comprehensive, student-centered approach that collaborates closely with students, families, and communities to foster access to higher education and support students through to graduation. Cougar Commitment was launched in 2020. Even through the pandemic, students received the support they required, from financial and technology assistance to mental health services. Many of CSU’s current students have been impacted by Cougar Commitment, which has helped them navigate college, balance competing priorities, and successfully work toward their degree.

"In the past 10 years, enrollment of Black students at Illinois colleges and universities declined by 37 percent, indicating that higher education institutions are not addressing students’ needs, financial and beyond,” said Z Scott, President of Chicago State University. “Our Cougar Commitment strategy launched in 2020 and it has reduced the financial burden of higher education through Rise Academy and our Dual Enrollment programs. The additional wrap-around support services we offer have met our students where they are to guide and nurture them to the next step in their college career. As indicated by our increased retention rates, these programs have, and continue to be, a success.”

The 2024-25 enrollment and retention figures reflect the success of CSU’s strategic vision of creating programming and student support services as Illinois' only U.S. Department of Education designated, four-year Predominantly Black Institution, located on Chicago’s South Side.