Cougar Commitment Cougar Commitment Cougar Commitment

CSU’s Cougar Commitment is simple: we show up for you so you can excel in the classroom and in your career. CSU is providing a suite of data-driven academic programs, well-being supports and scholarships designed to achieve a critical goal: increasing CSU student enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. The Cougar Commitment is a comprehensive, student-centered partnership with students, families, and communities to create access to higher education and support students all the way through graduation.

Communities prosper and grow when generations of families can invest in themselves and their neighborhoods. Now more than ever, Chicago State University is committed to educating scholars who lead in their communities and professions.

Join the Cougar Commitment

College is key to your future. CSU recognizes the current climate is creating additional barriers for students, and their families, to enroll. We’ve made it easier to take the next step by:

  • Making ACT and SAT tests optional for students with a grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
  • Waiving application and confirmation fees: We waived the application and confirmation fees to ensure finances do not prevent you from becoming a Cougar.

There’s still time to take the Cougar Commitment. To apply, visit our application page.

Freshman Become a Rise Scholar

Scholars receive:

  • Their first year at no cost with CSU covering tuition, fees, and textbook costs not covered by grants and scholarships
  • Academic, career, and well-being resources to ensure success in their first year of college

You can learn more about our first-year success program for freshmen at our Rise Academy page.

Transfer & Continuing Students

All students receive:

  • Holistic services that assist with financial, educational, and personal stability so students excel in the classroom and in their careers.
  • A range of scholarships, including emergency grants and Finish Strong Micro-Grants, to help students focus on their studies.

To learn more, visit our Continuing Students page.

Next Generation Cougars

College and career readiness starts well before you walk through our doors. CSU offers:

  • Dual enrollment courses: high school juniors and seniors can earn college credit.