by our College Data Analytics TeamIs CSU worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
CSU is ranked #1,013 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C. Within Illinois, it ranks #56 of 112 for value.
These CSU majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| General Studies | #52 of 243 |
| Liberal Arts | #75 of 345 |
| Criminal Justice Studies | #94 of 425 |
| Liberal Arts General Studies | #113 of 473 |
| Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities | #113 of 473 |
| Criminal Justice & Corrections | #117 of 638 |
| Criminal Justice Administration | #117 of 638 |
| Teacher Education | #118 of 446 |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting | #135 of 678 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #135 of 678 |
Below is the detailed CSU value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Chicago State University is ranked #111 out of #129 in Illinois for quality and #56 out of #112 for Illinois value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the CSU financial aid page to be sure.
Chicago State University is ranked #1,013 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Chicago State University is priced appropriately for the quality of education it provides, making it a fair value according to College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at CSU costs about $13,802. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $55,208 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $28,635 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $12,335 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $13,802 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,208 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the CSU net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
What CSU costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a CSU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $114,540 | — | — |
| All Students | $55,208 | #1,013 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $49,340 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $114,540 | — | — |
| All Students | $55,208 | #56 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $49,340 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at CSU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $8,025 |
| $30K–$48K | $10,674 |
| $48K–$75K | $12,729 |
| $75K–$110K | $16,801 |
| Over $110K | $9,392 |
About 91% of CSU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $16,207 per year. Get more details on the CSU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average CSU cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.