CSU Sees Largest Freshman Class in Over a Decade

First-time freshmen enrollment surges 83 percent, overall enrollment increases 12 percent while CSU adds nearly 100 beds to meet ballooning student housing needs

Chicago, IL (Sept. 11, 2025) - Enrollment at Chicago State University (CSU) saw strong growth with surges in the numbers of new freshman, transfers, graduate students, along with increased reenrollment for continuing students. The University saw a 12 percent jump in overall enrollment. These enrollment levels are high-water marks, with the highest total enrollment since fall 2020 and largest class of first-time freshmen in over a decade.

“Chicago State University’s strong fall 2025 enrollment growth is evidence that CSU is delivering on our mission as we experience the largest freshman class in over a decade and a record retention rate,” said Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott, President of Chicago State University. “Higher education is a proven investment and transforms lives.  At CSU that transformation is happening every day. Families and communities, with 88 percent from Illinois, are placing their trust in us because they see students not only starting their college journey but also persisting, thriving, and graduating with the skills to make an impact. CSU is not just changing individual lives—we are shaping the future of Chicago and beyond.”

New Enrollment Momentum

The overall enrollment increase came from growth across student populations, as demonstrated in the table above. Particularly strong growth included an 83 percent surge in first-time freshmen, a 72 percent increase in new graduate students, and a 17 percent increase in undergraduate enrollment. New enrollment from transfer students grew by 38 percent, with much of the transfer growth from a strong pathway of students from the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). Last year, CSU and CCC launched a comprehensive partnership to enhance CCC students’ path into CSU with guaranteed admissions, shared advising, and scholarship partnership.

Retention on the Rise

CSU saw a historic three percent increase in retention, with a total retention rate of 70 percent. The enrollment and retention gains highlight the effectiveness of initiatives that include Cougar Commitment—CSU’s student-success initiative. From pre-college support through career success, Cougar Commitment helps students navigate college life, manage competing priorities, and successfully progress toward their degrees and future careers. One key access initiative is RISE Academy, CSU’s first-year freshmen student success program. RISE Academy participants earn a scholarship covering full tuition and fees for their first year, free textbooks, personal laptops and comprehensive academic, social-emotional, and community support. The Cougar Commitment initiative extends to Sophomore Academy, Learning Assistants Program, transfer pathways, and summer camps.

On-Campus Housing Demand Surges

With the increase in enrollment has come a soaring demand for on campus housing. To meet the demand, CSU leadership worked to expand capacity by adding 97 beds, resulting in the highest occupancy rate in the University’s history. The University converted 25 residence hall units into triples, added 72 beds in a downtown university-managed housing facility, and still at the time of this release has an 80-person housing waiting list. With important data demonstrating that living on campus boosts student success, CSU’s housing expansion reflects its commitment to providing a supportive living/learning environment that fosters a sense of community and retention.

The fall 2025 10-day census demonstrates that CSU’s strategic enrollment planning led by Vice President of Enrollment Management Oscar Rodriguez, a world-class faculty, together with a longstanding emphasis on strengthening access to higher education, continues to deliver measurable results for student access and success.

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 50 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.