Chicago State University
Chicago State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Chicago State University Worth It?
At a value score of 14/100, Chicago State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $42,778 — 20% below average — while paying $12,335/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 16% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $30,625 representing 72% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Chicago State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Chicago State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #70 of 74 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #6 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #70 | Chicago State University | 14 | $12,335 | $42,778 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Chicago State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Chicago State University
The highest-earning program at Chicago State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $63,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Sociology at $23,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Chicago State University earns $63,100, while a Sociology graduate earns $23,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $47,879 in median debt vs. $36,500 for Sociology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,335/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $63,100 | $63,100 | $47,879 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $34,200 | $34,200 | $44,679 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $33,900 | $33,900 | $34,824 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $25,900 | $25,900 | $30,000 |
| Biology, General | $25,200 | $25,200 | $34,400 |
| Psychology, General | $24,800 | $24,800 | $33,756 |
| Sociology | $23,400 | $23,400 | $36,500 |
Similar Colleges in IL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Chicago, IL
- Student Body
- 1,384 students
- Admission Rate
- 43%
- Graduation Rate
- 16%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,335
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,778
- Median Student Debt
- $30,625