Chicago State University

Chicago State University
Former names
Cook County Normal School (1867–1897)
Chicago Normal School (1897–1938)
Chicago Teachers College (1938–1967)
Chicago State College (1967–1971)
MottoResponsibility
TypePublic university
EstablishedSeptember 2, 1867 (1867-09-02)
AccreditationHLC
Academic affiliations
Endowment$10 million (2024)
Budget$107 million (2024)
PresidentZaldwaynaka Scott
ProvostSonja Feist-Price
Academic staff
251 (fall 2024)
Administrative staff
405 (fall 2024)
Students2,238 (fall 2024)
Undergraduates1,501 (fall 2024)
Postgraduates737 (fall 2024)
Location,
Illinois
,
U.S.

41°43′05″N 87°36′32″W / 41.718°N 87.609°W / 41.718; -87.609
CampusLarge city, 161 acres (65 ha)
ColorsGreen (primary), blue, and light green
     
NicknameCougars
Sporting affiliations
MascotSouthside T. Cougar
Websitewww.csu.edu

Chicago State University (CSU) is a public university in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

Founded in 1867 as Cook County Normal School by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, it was established as the first teacher training school in Cook County. In 1949, when it was known as Chicago Teachers College, the institution was divided into two branches, with one eventually becoming Northeastern Illinois University. The state government of Illinois began funding the institution in 1951 and assumed full control in 1965. It was renamed the current name in 1971. CSU is a predominantly black (PBI) university. As of 2025, CSU had an 11 percent graduation rate within a four-year period of study.