The “Truth in Tuition” bill mandates that Illinois public universities provide four years of level tuition for new students enrolling for the first time beginning with the 2004-2005 academic year. Beginning with the Fall 2004 semester, each new undergraduate class of students (first-time freshmen and transfer students) will have the tuition rate held constant for four consecutive years. In 2010 the bill was amended to include an additional two years of guaranteed tuition rates for the amount the University charged students who first enrolled in the University for the academic year following the academic year the student first enrolled in the University.

The guaranteed rates will remain in effect for six years or until the student reaches 120 credit hours, whichever comes first. The hours will be extended to accommodate any majors or programs that exceed the 120 hours or six years. The guaranteed rate will remain in effect except in the event of a break in enrollment of no more than one year (two semesters, excluding summer school). In no case will the initial guarantee rate be valid beyond six years of total enrollment. The undergraduate (returning, non-guaranteed rate) will be assessed for students that extend beyond the six-year guarantee period (120 credit hours) or six years of total enrollment. For all other students, Chicago State University’s current tuition program remains in effect. The Class Schedule Bulletin published each term should be referenced for current information.

IMPORTANT Notes:

A change in major will not affect the guaranteed rate. The guaranteed rate will continue for the number of credit hours necessary to complete the new major, not to exceed six years of total enrollment. Beyond six years of total enrollment, the undergraduate (returning, non-guaranteed rate) will be assessed. Extended illness and military service will be given special consideration. The rate guarantee will be extended on a case-by case basis by invoking the student appeal process. Transfer student rates will be guaranteed.

Extended illness and military service will be given special consideration. The rate guarantee will be extended on a case-by-case basis through the student appeal process.

Transfer student rates will be guaranteed based upon 120 credit hours less the number of credits transferred at the time of first enrollment. All extensions and exceptions that apply to new freshmen will be extended to new transfer students.