At $10,133/yr net price, Chicago State University graduates earn $42,778/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,778/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,133 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,532 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,778/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,778/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 16.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $30,625 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,025/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,674/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,729/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,801/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,392/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
16.9% of students at Chicago State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Chicago State University presents a high-risk financial proposition with serious red flags that overshadow its low sticker price. The 17% graduation rate means you have less than a one-in-five chance of finishing your degree, making any cost calculation meaningless for most students.
The pharmacy program offers strong earning potential at $120,252 annually, but requires taking on nearly $200,000 in debt. Nursing graduates earn $61,814 with more manageable debt of $34,060, making it the school's best risk-adjusted option. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions also show solid returns at $68,858 with reasonable debt levels.
Avoid the social work program entirely. Graduates earn just $39,639 while carrying $66,359 in debt, creating an unsustainable financial burden. The 47% retention rate signals that nearly half of students leave after freshman year, often with debt but no degree.
You should only consider Chicago State if you're admitted to nursing or rehabilitation programs and have strong academic preparation. The low graduation rate suggests the academic environment struggles to support student success. If you need extensive academic support or aren't certain about your major, look elsewhere.
The school does offer a low net price of $10,133 for those who complete degrees, and 55% of students receive financial aid. However, these benefits become irrelevant if you don't graduate. Your financial risk extends beyond tuition costs to include opportunity cost and potential debt without a credential to show for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago State University worth the cost?
Chicago State University has serious ROI concerns with a 17% graduation rate and median earnings of $43K ten years after enrollment. The low net price of $10K helps, but most students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Chicago State University?
Pharmacy graduates earn around $120K, making it the clear standout program. Nursing and rehabilitation therapy also provide decent returns at $62K-$69K, while other programs typically lead to below-average earnings.
How much debt do Chicago State University graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $31K, which is manageable compared to earnings only for pharmacy and healthcare program graduates. Other majors may struggle to justify this debt load given typical starting salaries.
Does Chicago State University have good financial aid?
The net price averages just over $10K annually, indicating substantial financial aid for most students. However, the extremely low graduation rate suggests many students leave before completing degrees, potentially wasting aid money.