CSU Sees Record Enrollment for Second Consecutive Year

Overall enrollment climbs 10 percent, largest freshman class in 15 years 

Chicago, IL (Sept. 9, 2026) —  Chicago State University (CSU) continues its enrollment surge, recording a second consecutive year of overall enrollment growth and reaching its highest freshman enrollment level in 15 years. The University's fall 2026 10-day census shows a 10 percent increase in overall enrollment with growth across the university, from first-time freshmen and transfer students to undergraduate, doctoral, and professional degree programs. 

"CSU’s increased enrollment for fall 2026, is a testament to the growing recognition of the transformative education and opportunities we offer,” said Z Scott, President of Chicago State University. “Our student success model, focused on improved access, scholarship support and education equity, gets results. Through initiatives like Cougar Commitment, that includes a tuition-free freshman year through our RISE Academy, we're removing barriers and building real pathways to opportunity. Supporting our students throughout their time at CSU and beyond has a lasting impact for our students, their families, and the communities we serve.” 

 

Sustained Enrollment Momentum 

CSU's growth this fall builds on last year's record-setting class. First-time freshman enrollment is up more than 30 percent, new transfer enrollment increased by 12 percent, and undergraduate enrollment grew 14 percent.  

Growth extended beyond undergraduate programs. CSU's professional degree programs saw significant gains, led by a 52 percent enrollment increase in the University's Pharmacy program, underscoring growing demand for health sciences and workforce-focused programs. 

 

Full-Time Students on the Rise 

Fall 2026 also brought strong enrollment growth across the institution, with an increase of 18 percent in total credit hours. Full-time student enrollment saw an even more pronounced increase, growing by 24 percent. The growing number of new full-time students highlight the effectiveness of CSU’s student-success program Cougar Commitment, which connects students with academic, financial, and personal support from pre-college through graduation and career preparation. Programs, including RISE Academy, Sophomore Academy, and transfer pathways, are designed to remove barriers to enrollment, persistence, and completion. 

Division I Football Partially Contributes to New Growth 

This fall, CSU added Division I football, growing its athletics offerings to 17 Division I programs. Launching the first Division I football program in Chicago since 1939 brought nearly 100 new students to campus. Importantly, CSU's growth is not driven by football alone: excluding football, first-time freshman enrollment grew by 17 percent and transfer student enrollment grew by 12 percent, demonstrating that CSU's enrollment gains are broad-based and sustained across incoming student populations. 

On-Campus Housing Expansion Continues 

As enrollment has grown, demand for university housing has also increased. CSU has added 223 new beds to its residence halls over the last two years. This includes securing two additional housing locations in downtown Chicago, in addition to its on-campus residence hall.  

The fall 2026 10-day census data marks another step in CSU's strategy to build sustainable enrollment growth by welcoming more new students while ensuring more current students persist, progress and complete their degrees.  

About Chicago State University 

CSU, founded in 1867, is the oldest public university in the Chicago Metropolitan area. The University’s four colleges offer more than 95 undergraduate and graduate degree-granting and non-degree programs. CSU is committed to equity in education, serving as the only U.S. Department of Education-designated four-year Predominantly Black Institution in Illinois and ranked by a Harvard economist in the top 4 percent of public and private universities nationwide in supporting our graduates’ economic mobility. The University serves as a prominent civic space on the greater South Side of Chicago by hosting a multitude of athletic, educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The University is located near public transit that provides convenient access to the campus. Visit csu.edu.