On the South Side of Chicago, near 95th Street and King Drive, Chicago State University has been training teachers since 1867. Today it is a public university and a predominantly Black institution, with a College of Pharmacy alongside nursing, business and computer science. A Metra Electric station at the edge of campus runs trains into downtown.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Official website: csu.edu
1867
Public university in Illinois
Predominantly Black institution
South Side of Chicago
$16,000 – $22,000
International students, undergraduate and graduate
$13,000 – $17,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on csu.edu before you apply.
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
Doctor of Pharmacy
DoctorateDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
A College of Pharmacy on Chicago's South Side.
Low public tuition by big-city standards.
Direct Metra trains to downtown Chicago.
Pharmacy and nursing graduates join Chicago hospitals and retail pharmacy chains.
Computer science graduates look for roles in Chicago's finance, logistics and tech firms.
F-1 graduates can work on OPT; STEM degrees add a 24-month extension.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
The campus is large and green for a city site, with a residence hall, library and the Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center.
Rent near campus is far cheaper than on the North Side. The Loop, the lakefront and the city's museums are all reachable by train.
Form I-20 issued by Chicago State University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Chicago State accepts applications on a rolling basis. International applicants should apply by May for fall and October for spring to leave time for the I-20.
Programmes start in fall (August) and spring (January). Pharmacy admits once a year.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Chicago State University issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Pharmacy, nursing, computer science and business are popular. Undergraduates need school results and TOEFL 61 or IELTS 6.0; graduate programmes need a bachelor's degree and usually IELTS 6.5.
Scholarships for international students are limited. Ask the admissions office about current awards and graduate assistantships.
