Chicago, IL · Private University
Is Chicago State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$42,778
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$12,754
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,754
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$51,016
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.35x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
17.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$30,625
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$10,133
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Chicago State University graduates earn $2,222 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Chicago State University ranked by graduate earnings
44 graduates
16 graduates
57 graduates
38 graduates
19 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Chicago State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Chicago State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $81,928) and the lowest (Radio, Television, and Digital Communication: $28,643) is $53,285/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $81,928 | 6.4x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $49,005 | 3.8x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,591 | 3.6x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $42,025 | 3.3x |
| Sociology | $37,689 | 3.0x |
| Psychology, General | $35,893 | 2.8x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital CommunicationLowest(1yr data) | $28,643 | 2.3x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Chicago State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $42,778 10 years after starting, $2,222 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.6 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.