YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR MISSION

The RISE Academy is a gap-closing scholarship program uniquely designed for eligible first-year and transfer students who enter into Chicago State University with less than 24 credits. Covering full tuition and fees, RISE Academy provides a wide-range of services that foster student success through academic and personal support.

*To enroll in RISE Academy, students must first apply and be admitted to CSU.

Apply Now Enroll in RISE Academy

FIRST-YEAR

Full tuition & fees

4-YEAR

Personal Laptop

DEDICATED

RISE Academy Advisor

FREE

textbooks

RISE ACADEMY

The program starts with a 5-week Summer course or a Fall option continues with holistic student support throughout the academic year. The goal of RISE Academy is to help RISE Scholars build the confidence and skills needed for a successful college career.

RISE Scholars:

Test drive their first CSU course
Explore and find their career path
Make the most of their resources
Establish lasting relationships with peers, faculty, and mentors
Create an individualized success plan tailored to your goals
Meet regularly with RISE staff for progress check-ins and coaching
Receive early alerts and proactive support when you need it most
Get guidance on course selection and academic decision-making

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Incoming Freshmen

All incoming full-time freshmen students, including transfer students with no more than 24 credit hours who are admitted to CSU with a 2.5 GPA and complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) are eligible.

SuccessU Participants

All students admitted to the university through our conditional admit program, SuccessU, are required to participate in RISE Academy and complete all program requirements throughout their first year.

Contract Agreement

All students must sign a contract to accept the scholarship, agreeing to participate in all required workshops and activities and successfully complete the first 5-weeks of the RISE Academy program in order to be eligible to receive the tuition scholarship.

Out of State Students

Out of state students and those desiring to live on campus are strongly encouraged to contact our Housing and Residence Life team to ensure they complete all housing requirements in advance, to ensure they complete all housing requirements in advance and secure a place in the residence halls. *Space is limited.

RISE ACADEMY TESTIMONIALS

"As a second-semester freshman majoring in criminal justice and a first-generation high school and college graduate, RISE has been a game-changer. Beyond providing a debt-free first year of college, it has been my invaluable support system."

Alysaa Perea

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR MISSION

RISE ACADEMY

RISE Scholars:

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

RISE ACADEMY TESTIMONIALS

PUT YOUR FUTURE IN MOTION ATCHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY

PUT YOUR FUTURE IN MOTION AT
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY