Chicago State University

What Chicago State University does

Chicago State University (CSU), founded in 1867 and located at 9501 S. King Drive in Chicago, Illinois, is the oldest public university in the Chicago Metropolitan Area and the only U.S. Department of Education-designated four-year Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) in Illinois. The university operates four colleges (Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences & Pharmacy) delivering more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, including a Pharm.D., Ed.D., and master's programs in business, public health, library and information science, and technology. In December 2025, CSU became the first Illinois public university to earn Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) approval for Quantum Information Science & Engineering credentials (Minor and Certificate) and a Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing Certificate, anchored by its IBHE-authorized CQuEST Center for quantum research, credentials, and workforce programs. In parallel, the university conducts federally-funded research including a $4.8M NIH BRAIN Initiative grant with the University of Chicago and UIC to develop photoemission electron microscopy for brain connectome mapping, and operates the Mic2ExL NSF-funded consortium for semiconductor experiential learning in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory, Flextron Circuit Assembly, and NanoAffix.

The university's revenue model is multi-stream and institutional rather than commercial. Recurring revenue derives from per-credit-hour tuition ($352 for Illinois resident undergraduates, $697 for out-of-state and international undergraduates, $1,070 for the Pharm.D. program, each plus $121 in mandatory fees), Illinois state appropriations, federal and state research grants (NSF, NIH, DOT, NTIA), and philanthropy through the CSU Foundation, alumni giving, and gala events. The 6-Year Guaranteed Tuition plan and the RISE Academy scholarship covering full tuition plus laptop, free textbooks, and dedicated advising for eligible first-year and transfer students reinforce affordability positioning, with IBHE designating CSU as the most affordable public university in Chicago. Go-to-market spans direct on-campus enrollment, online and hybrid graduate programs, continuing education bootcamps at two Chicago sites, dual-enrollment partnerships with Chicago Public Schools, and an apprenticeship pipeline with City Colleges of Chicago feeding into the IBM FutureNow Chicago Delivery Center at the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park (IQMP). Customer segments include traditional undergraduate and graduate students, adult learners and career-changers, K-12 students and educators, health sciences students, and industry partners seeking quantum, semiconductor, and microelectronics talent.

Customer-base concentration risk is low. CSU's primary customers are individually enrolled students across five persona-based segments (Traditional College Students, Adult Learners and Career-Changers, K-12 Pipeline, Industry Partners, and Health Sciences Students) rather than a small number of enterprise accounts. No single B2B customer is disclosed as a material revenue source; the largest external counterparties (IBM, City Colleges of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory) are workforce-pipeline partners, not paying customers with concentrated revenue dependence. Pricing is uniformly low per-credit-hour and subsidy-supported through RISE Academy, suggesting a long-tail, distributed revenue base with predictable annual tuition cohorts. The concentration risk to monitor is grant concentration: federal research awards (NIH $4.8M, NSF ~$1M for Mic2ExL, NSF $10M for CARNATIONS, NTIA $3.2M) represent multi-million-dollar revenue events whose non-renewal would create funding gaps, although CSU's diversified grant portfolio limits single-grant failure risk.

Name

Chicago State University

Legal name

Chicago State University

Website

https://csu.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1867

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Chicago State University, founded in 1867, is the oldest public university in the Chicago metro area and the only four-year Predominantly Black Institution in Illinois. It serves 1,001-5,000 staff delivering 60+ degree programs and serves traditional, adult, K-12, and industry workforce segments.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Research Universities with Comprehensive Graduate & Professional Schools (EDAHAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Public Research Universities with Engineering/Polytechnic Emphasis (EDAHAAAD)

Keywords

• Public higher education
• Undergraduate degree programs
• Quantum workforce credentials
• Semiconductor manufacturing training
• Workforce development programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Revenue from undergraduate and graduate tuition charged per credit hour, with mandatory fees. Different rates for Illinois residents, out-of-state, and international students. Professional program fees for health sciences programs.
2. State Funding: Public university receiving state appropriations from Illinois as the oldest public university in Chicago metropolitan area
3. Research Grants: Federal and state research funding including NSF, NIH, Department of Defense, Department of Transportation grants supporting cybersecurity, semiconductor, quantum research, and transportation systems
4. Philanthropy: Alumni giving, brick campaign, gala events, and foundation donations supporting university programs and scholarships

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Chicago State University is a public higher education institution offering more than 60 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs across four colleges (Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Health Sciences & Pharmacy). Its distinctive offerings include IBHE-approved Quantum Information Science & Engineering credentials, a Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing Certificate, the CQuEST Center, the NSF-funded Mic2ExL experiential learning program, continuing education bootcamps, and biomedical research including PEEM brain imaging under an NIH BRAIN Initiative grant.

Product overview

Chicago State University offers a portfolio of educational products and programs centered around its core academic mission. The university operates four colleges (Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences & Pharmacy) offering over 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. A distinctive focus is on quantum and semiconductor workforce development through the CQuEST center, which coordinates IBHE-approved credentials including the Quantum Information Science & Engineering (QISE) Certificate, QISE Minor, and Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing Certificate. The Mic2ExL program provides NSF-funded experiential learning in semiconductors. Supporting programs include the RISE Academy scholarship, continuing education bootcamps, and the CINSER research center.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CQuEST (CSU Quantum Education, Science and Technology Center) IBHE-authorized hub coordinating CSU's quantum research, credentials, and workforce programs with emphasis on quantum biosensing and quantum pharmaceuticals.
• Quantum Information Science & Engineering (QISE) Certificate IBHE-approved undergraduate certificate program preparing students for careers in quantum computing, cryptography, and related fields.
• Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing Certificate IBHE-approved certificate program providing hands-on training in semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics.
• Quantum Information Science & Engineering (QISE) Minor Undergraduate minor program allowing students to supplement their majors with quantum-related skills and knowledge.
• Mic2ExL (Chicagoland Partnership for Semiconductors and Microelectronics Experiential Learning) NSF-funded project providing experiential learning through 100 hours hands-on classroom learning, 100 hours project at national laboratory, and 50 hours practicum at employer, with mentorship program.
• RISE Academy Scholarship Program Gap-closing scholarship program for eligible first-year and transfer students covering full tuition and fees, providing personal laptop, dedicated advisor, free textbooks, and holistic student support.
• Graduate School Programs Comprehensive graduate degree programs including Ed.D., Pharm.D., various master's degrees (MBA, MFA, MS, MA, MOT, MPH, MSED, MSW), and post-baccalaureate certificate programs.
• Continuing Education Career training, specialized bootcamps, and community-focused workshops including tech bootcamps, WIOA-approved courses, Options program, and South Side Executive Entrepreneurial Training Program.
• Undergraduate Major Programs Over 60 undergraduate degree and certificate programs across four colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Health Sciences & Pharmacy.
• CINSER (Center for Information and Security Education and Research) Research center focused on AI, cybersecurity, microelectronics, semiconductors, national security, and systems security with associated webinar series.

Quantifiable outcome

• 180% increase in quantum and semiconductor job postings since 2020
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• IBMflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026IBM partnered with Governor Pritzker to launch FutureNow Chicago Delivery Center at IQMP, creating 750 new full-time jobs in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and quantum. IBM commits to hiring one third of qualified graduates from new City Colleges apprenticeship program. IBM will partner with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Chicago State University for internships. CSU students gain priority access to quantum career pathways.
• Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park (IQMP)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSU is a founding educational partner of IQMP, a 128-acre first-of-its-kind public-private R&D facility under development less than 5 miles from campus. Students have priority access to facilities, mentorship, and career pathways with national laboratories, startups, and global technology firms. IQMP projected to generate $20 billion economic impact and thousands of jobs.
• University of ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on NIH BRAIN Initiative grant ($4.8M) to develop PEEM imaging technology for brain connectome mapping. Joint quantum workforce development programming with Harvard and UIC. Partnership with IQMP and IBM on quantum ecosystem development.
• University of Illinois ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree Chicago universities collaboration (UChicago, CSU, UIC) received $4.8M NIH BRAIN Initiative grant to develop faster microscope for mapping brain connections using PEEM technology.
• City Colleges of ChicagoflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew apprenticeship program launched with IBM and philanthropic support from Chicagoland Workforce Funders Alliance. Over next five years, will support 500 apprentices with IBM hiring one third of qualified graduates. Prioritizes access for Illinois residents and Chicago South Side communities.
• Argonne National LaboratorycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhase 2 of Mic2ExL program involves 4-8 weeks project at Argonne National Laboratory for cohort participants. Partnership for semiconductor and microelectronics experiential learning.
• QuiltminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChicago non-profit community organization partner in Mic2ExL consortium for recruitment and community engagement in semiconductor workforce development.
• Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership IT Sector CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorkforce development partner in Mic2ExL consortium providing IT sector training and placement support.
• Harvard UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeads quantum workforce development programming with CSU, UChicago, and UIC. Graduate securing joint research project with Harvard as outcome of quantum certificate program.
• Chicago Public SchoolscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for high school quantum camps, science teacher training, dual enrollment coursework, and Elevate CPS collaboration. K-12 educator support for quantum curriculum delivery.
• Illinois Economic Development CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency supporting quantum ecosystem development and workforce training initiatives. President and CEO Christy George quoted in support of CSU quantum programs.
• Chicagoland Chamber of CommerceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPresident Jack Lavin stated support for CSU quantum and semiconductor workforce programs as vital to IQMP success and regional tech hub development.
• World Business ChicagominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPresident Phil Clement recognized CSU's quantum and semiconductor programs as significant for Chicago's technology ecosystem and diverse workforce development.
• Chicago Quantum ExchangecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDirector Emily Easton serves as workforce co-lead at IQMP. Quantum education recognized as essential for skilled workforce supporting emerging technologies.
• P33coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEO Brad Henderson leads inclusive tech workforce development efforts. Represents technology industry leadership driving IQMP and quantum ecosystem development on Chicago South Side.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Morgan State University: Maryland-based public HBCU with comparable Carnegie research classification, doctoral programs, and a federal PBI designation. Closely parallels CSU in mission, public funding model, and emerging-tech workforce development strategy.
• University of Illinois Chicago: Public research university in Chicago offering doctoral and professional programs. UIC partners with CSU on the $4.8M NIH BRAIN Initiative PEEM grant and is co-leading quantum workforce development with Harvard and CSU, making it the most direct public-university peer in Chicago.
• Roosevelt University: Chicago-based private university with a comparable urban, diverse student base and affordable tuition positioning. Overlaps with CSU in business, education, and select professional programs, and competes for the same Chicago metropolitan enrollment pool.
• Northeastern Illinois University: Public Chicago university with comparable enrollment size and Hispanic-Serving Institution designation, serving a similarly urban and diverse student body at comparable tuition levels with a focus on undergraduate teaching and select graduate programs.
• Howard University: Premier federally-designated HBCU with comprehensive doctoral and professional programs across health sciences, business, and STEM. Most directly comparable peer to CSU in mission, PBI/HBCU designation, and research-driven urban-university profile.
• Governors State University: Chicago-area public university serving similar commuter and diverse student populations in the South Suburbs. Similar size, mission, and tuition profile, with overlapping programs in education, business, and health sciences.
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: Public Illinois university explicitly named alongside CSU in the IBM FutureNow partnership for internships in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and quantum. Comparable size, mission, and tuition structure with similar regional workforce-development role.
• Florida A&M University: Public HBCU offering comprehensive doctoral and professional programs including pharmacy (similar to CSU's Pharm.D.). Closely parallels CSU's structural model as a public, PBI-designated institution with a health-sciences professional school and emerging STEM programs.

Broad incumbents

• University of Chicago: Private research university partnering with CSU on the NIH BRAIN Initiative PEEM grant and IQMP ecosystem. Although a peer rather than direct competitor, UChicago's depth in quantum physics, biomedical research, and grant capture represents the competitive ceiling CSU's CQuEST aims to match.
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Illinois flagship public research university with substantially larger quantum, engineering, and computer science programs. Sets the bar for state-level competition in quantum research and STEM talent, and would absorb shifts in federal research dollars ahead of CSU.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/142729940353
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chicago-state-university
• Instagraminstagram.com/chicagostateuniversity1867
• TikToktiktok.com/@chicagostateuniversity?lang=en
• Xx.com/chicagostate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Chicago State University