25 Interesting Facts about Chicago State University

Chicago State University (CSU) is a public university located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1867 as the Cook County Normal School to train teachers for the local public schools. Today, CSU offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, health sciences, humanities, social sciences, and STEM.

CSU is a diverse institution, with a student population that represents over 60 countries and a variety of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The university is committed to providing its students with a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers and lifelong learning. CSU has a strong focus on community engagement, and many of its programs and initiatives are designed to benefit the local community and promote social justice.

CSU has several notable academic programs, including its College of Pharmacy, which is the only public pharmacy school in the city of Chicago. The university is also home to the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing, which celebrates the life and work of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former CSU faculty member. In addition, CSU is one of only a few universities in the United States to offer a bachelor’s degree program in African American Studies.

Despite financial challenges in recent years, CSU remains committed to providing its students with access to affordable, high-quality education. The university has implemented several cost-saving measures, including a tuition freeze and a reduction in administrative expenses, to help make college more affordable for its students. CSU is also working to expand its academic offerings and improve its facilities to better serve its students and the surrounding community.

Chicago State University

Chicago State University (Wikimedia)

Do you want to know more about Chicago State University? Let’s take a look at these 25 interesting facts about Chicago State University.

  1. Chicago State University was originally founded in 1867 as the Cook County Normal School.
  2. CSU is the oldest public university in the Chicago metropolitan area.
  3. The university offers over 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
  4. The CSU mascot is a cougar named Charlie.
  5. The university’s official colors are green and white.
  6. The CSU campus covers 161 acres on the south side of Chicago.
  7. The university has over 2,500 students enrolled.
  8. CSU has over 250 full-time faculty members.
  9. The university is a member of the Chicago State University System.
  10. The CSU Library contains over 300,000 volumes and is a member of the Chicago Public Library System.
  11. The university’s basketball team, the Cougars, competes in the NCAA Division I.
  12. The university has a marching band, cheerleading squad, and dance team.
  13. CSU is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).
  14. The university has a diverse student body, with over 70% of students identifying as Black or Hispanic.
  15. The university has several academic colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Pharmacy.
  16. CSU has several unique academic programs, including a bachelor’s degree program in African American Studies.
  17. The university has a strong commitment to community engagement and service.
  18. The CSU Foundation raises funds to support scholarships, research, and other initiatives at the university.
  19. The university has a partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology to offer a dual degree program in engineering.
  20. CSU has several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Education Research and Policy Studies and the Institute for Research and Development in African American Studies.
  21. The university has a student-run radio station, WCSU.
  22. CSU has a variety of student organizations and clubs, including fraternities and sororities, academic clubs, and cultural organizations.
  23. The university hosts several cultural events and celebrations throughout the year, including the International Festival and Black History Month events.
  24. CSU has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.
  25. The university has a partnership with the Chicago Park District to provide environmental education programs to local schools.

Chicago State University is a dynamic institution that has been serving the Chicago community for over 150 years. With a commitment to diversity, community engagement, and academic excellence, CSU offers its students a unique and transformative educational experience. Despite financial challenges in recent years, the university remains dedicated to providing access to affordable, high-quality education for all students. With a diverse array of academic programs, research centers, and community partnerships, Chicago State University continues to be a vital and integral part of the Chicago educational landscape, helping to shape the next generation of leaders and scholars.