Admitted Students | Demo | Chicago State University

NEXT STEPS

Submit Housing Application

Are you interested in staying on campus in our residence hall?

After confirming your enrollment, please complete a housing application.

Visit our Housing & Residence Life webpage or contact housing@csu.edu if you need more information.

Submit Immunization Records

Immunizations are a state law requirement and failure to comply will result in academic withdrawal. Prior to registration, you are required to provide proof of immunization compliance. All enrolled students who attend classes on campus must provide documentation of immunizations.

Complete the Student Immunization Record form here.

Submit FINAL Transcripts

Newly admitted students are required to provide their FINAL Official High School transcript or FINAL Official College transcript with a school seal and graduation status to the Office of Admissions.

Students can request ACT or SAT official scores to be sent to CSU - Code 0992 by contacting the agencies listed below.

If you attended a community college or earned college credits during high school, please have them send an official transcript to the Office of Admissions Office by July 1.

Submit AP/IB/CLEP Scores

CSU accepts the following types of course credit:

(AP) Advanced Placement
(CLEP) College-Level Examination Program
(IB) International Baccalaureate
State Seal of biliteracy
Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment

Advanced Placement and International baccalaureate credit is generally accepted if you meet the required minimum score for each exam. Detailed information on these credits may be found here.

Review Transfer Credits

Coursework will only be evaluated after your official transcripts from each institution attended and/or scores have been received by the Office of Evaluations.

Pay Tuition & Fees

Pay your tuition and fees on time so you don't get dropped from classes. Your verified fund source must be in place by the payment due date which includes financial aid, scholarships, payment plan, or pay in full. Log into your student payment portal and review your statement, enroll in a payment plan, make payment, and set up your direct deposit information.

FINAL STEPS

Confirm Registration

Confirm you are registered for classes and confirm all expenses at Cougar Connect.

Access Cougar Connect >>

Obtain Parking Pass

If you are a commuting student, obtain a parking pass.

Visit Parking Resources >>

Obtain Student ID

Email IDservices@csu.edu to obtain your Official university ID.

Send Email >>

Educational Materials

Visit the campus bookstore to purchase all necessary materials (books, calculators, etc.)

View the Campus Bookstore >>

Veteran Affairs

If you are a Veteran, please contact Veterans Affairs for information on educational benefits.

Veteran Affairs Information >>

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started at CSU

When will I receive my email address and IDs?

Students receive their email and identification credentials after registering for courses during New Student Orientation.

Where can I find my student ID number?

Student ID numbers are available in the CSU application portal, located beneath the Referral ID section.

Can I update my email address?

Yes, you can update your email by contacting admissions@csu.edu. Please indicate that you would like to update your current email address.

How do I connect with other admitted students?

Join our Admitted Student Community to connect with other incoming CSU students. More information will be sent to your CSU email in the coming weeks.

Enrollment Requirements

How many credits are considered full-time?

Fifteen credit hours are considered full-time enrollment at CSU.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

What type of scholarships are available?

Chicago State University offers a variety of scholarships, including merit-based and need-based scholarship opportunities. Students may qualify for the R.I.S.E. Academy scholarship, which covers first-year tuition and fees. Students who successfully complete the first year of the program may receive a $4,000 stipend for their second year. Most institutional scholarships are last dollar and therefore not visible on the Financial Aid Offer until all other grants and scholarships have been applied.

When are grants and scholarships applied to my account?

Grants and scholarships are typically applied to student accounts after the last day to add/drop courses.

When should I complete the FAFSA?

Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) as early as possible to maximize eligibility for grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. The FAFSA for the upcoming academic year is available no later than October 1^st.

Housing

How much does housing cost per semester?

Housing costs vary depending on the selected option. On average, housing ranges from $1,800 to $5,200 per semester.

On campus housing:

Triplet room - $1,800 per semester
Double - $2,600 per semester
Single/studio - $4,000 per semester

Downtown housing – the Flats:

Single/studio - $5,200 semester
Double - $4,400 per semester

All housing plans include two meal plan options for students to choose from.

When will I receive the housing application?

All Fall 2026 confirmed applicants will receive the housing application prior to the start of the fall 2026 semester. Students should log in using their CSU portal credentials. Visit the housing website for additional details.

Can I choose where I want to live?

Yes. When applying for housing, you select from two preferences – on campus or off campus and single or double. Options are first, come first served.

Can independent students receive housing?

Yes. However, the cost remains the same regardless of the status. Our Financial Aid department can assist with your housing needs based on your income. Please contact our Financial Aid department.

Can scholarships be used for housing?

Yes. Some scholarships may be applied toward housing expenses. Housing scholarships may also be available after completing the application, submitting a FAFSA, and registering for courses.

Grants and scholarships are applied in August.

If you have off-campus housing, can you still secure on-campus housing?

Yes, you can secure on-campus housing or off-campus housing. We recommend applying early.

Does the CSU band scholarship cover housing?

Our Band scholarship primarily covers tuition and fees. You may be able to use any tuition or scholarship based on overage towards housing.

Meal Plans

How much do meal plans cost?

Meal plan pricing and options can be found on the CSU Housing website, which provides information about housing and dining options available to qualified students.

R.I.S.E Academy

How often do students attend the R.I.S.E. Academy program?

R.I.S.E. Academy meets Monday through Friday for five weeks during summer. Participants attend classes, workshops, and activities designed to prepare them for their first year at CSU.

Student Life & Employment

Are students able to secure campus employment?

There are several work-study options available on campus. CSU hosts a career fair prior to the fall semester, giving students the opportunity to learn about available campus employment. Contact the Financial Aid Department to learn more about campus employment.

Health Requirements

Are students required to use the immunization forms that are on the portal, or are MyChart records acceptable?

All confirmed applicants must submit immunization records to wellness@csu.edu, or by fax at 773-995-2953. If you are emailing your records, please include your phone number. Please note that replies to this inbox are not monitored due to HIPAA regulations.

CONFIRM YOUR ENROLLMENT

6 EASY STEPS FOR FRESHMAN AND TRANSFER STUDENTS