Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 21.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 16.9%
- Retention Rate
- 46.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $42,778
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $30,625
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 24.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $325/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $120,252 | $191,403 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $68,858 | $61,462 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,814 | $34,060 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $40,368 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $39,639 | $66,359 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,856 | $37,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,437 | $30,497 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $37,279 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,443 | $28,250 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $27,358 | $30,886 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $31,250 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Bachelor | $15,817 | $31,750 |
Outcomes Overview
Chicago State graduates face significant financial challenges after leaving campus. The median debt of $30,625 creates monthly payments of $325, consuming nearly 10% of typical first-year earnings of $39,592. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 is concerning compared to the national average of around 0.6. The university serves many first-generation college students pursuing careers in education, social work, and healthcare on Chicago's South Side. While employment rates reach 89.6%, the low loan repayment rate of 24.86% signals financial strain among alumni. Earnings do improve over time, reaching $42,778 after ten years. However, the combination of substantial debt and modest starting salaries creates a weak return on investment for most graduates.