Chicago State University

The second oldest public university in the state of Illinois , Chicago State University (CSU) opened its doors as a teacher training (normal) school in a leaky railroad freight car in Blue Island, Illinois, on September 2, 1867.The path from then until now has been marked by change. During its 135 years, CSU has changed its name, focus, governance and location. But with each transition the university has kept sight of its mission and enhanced its services for the citizens of Chicago.

Much of the University's identity has been shaped by its history. From its humble origins, Chicago State University has evolved into an outstanding, nationally acclaimed university that provides a value-added education for all who enter its hallowed halls. Today, the university offers 36 undergraduate and 27 graduate degree-granting programs. The outreach efforts of the university extend beyond the borders of the City of Chicago with a Division of Continuing Education and Nontraditional Programs with extension courses, distance learning and not-for credit programs. The current student enrollment is nearly 7,000. Consistently evolving to reflect state-of-the-art trends in higher education, CSU continues to move, with confidence, through the 21st century.