IF MONEY IS TIGHT, FRESHMEN CAN ATTEND CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY FOR FREE

Chicago State University, the only four-year, public university on the South Side, and whose students are predominately black, recently launched a pilot program that would allow incoming freshmen to receive free tuition after completing a summer enrichment program. Photo credit: Wendell Hutson
Chicago State University, the only four-year, public university on the South Side, and whose students are predominately black, recently launched a pilot program that would allow incoming freshmen to receive free tuition after completing a summer enrichment program. Photo credit: Wendell Hutson

If Money is Tight, Freshmen Can Attend Chicago State University For Free

BY WENDELL HUTSON

Contributing Writer

The only four-year, public university on the South Side will offer free tuition, books and fees starting this fall as part of a new initiative for students needing financial and academic assistance.

But the new Cougar Commitment Initiative at Chicago State University is restricted to incoming freshmen only and is a data-driven strategy for increasing CSU’s student enrollment, retention and graduation rates, explained Zaldwaynaka Scott, CSU president.

“The goal is not so much to boost enrollment, but to boost opportunities for black and brown students, said Scott. “Our fall 2019 enrollment was about 3,000 students and while I am hopeful that the new initiative will increase enrollment, our focus is on equity and access to a quality education for students.”

Illinois Board of Higher Education data showed overall enrollment for all public universities in Illinois decreased this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At CSU, total enrollment for Fall 2019 was 2,320, which is down from Fall 2015 when total enrollment at the predominately black university was 3,618.

To receive financial help from the university, students must first enroll and complete course work in the university’s Rise Academy, a five-week summer program. And upon completion, students would then receive free tuition, fees, textbooks, and a laptop for the upcoming academic year. And due to the virus outbreak, classes will be held online and in-person.

After financial aid is determined for a student, Scott said CSU would then make up the difference. Annual tuition for full-time students at CSU is $12,000, so if a student receives $6,000 in financial aid, for example, and needs another $6,000 to pay for their attendance, then CSU would cover the shortfall. And students are not required to apply for any loans in order to receive financial assistance through the program, according to Scott.

“We can’t make a student eligible for a student loan not accept it if that’s what they want to do, but it is not required that you take out a loan before we provide assistance,” she said.

The cost to operate the first-year program is $1.2 million and is a part of CSU’s preliminary budget of $83 million, according to Scott.

“We are hopeful that there will be a grant opportunity for Chicago State to help fund the program, but for now, we are fully funding the program ourselves,” she said. “With this bold action, Chicago State University is sending the message to prospective students and families across the state and region, we are here for you.”

State Rep. Nicholas Smith (34th), whose district includes CSU, is an alumnus and said he plans to work hard in Springfield to help get the pilot program as much assistance as possible.

“I am thrilled about this new initiative being offered by my alma mater,” said Smith. “These are the very opportunities that our state’s students need in their pursuit of preparedness and academic excellence.”

And Scott said students should choose to attend CSU over other colleges and universities for a number of reasons.

“Look at our track record when it comes to higher education in Illinois. We are among the top universities in the state when it comes to awarding degrees to black students,” added Scott. “Chicago State University is in the top four percent of all universities in the country when it comes to moving people up the ‘economic ladder’ with a degree. That’s the type of statistic students should focus on when choosing a university.”

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