Governors State University
About Governors State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Governors State University is a public university in University Park, Illinois, south of Chicago. It offers affordable programs in business, psychology, criminal justice, and public health, serving the south suburban Chicago area and Will County.
Founded
1969
Location
University Park, Illinois
Students
4,381
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
48.3%
Selective
Graduation Rate
22.1%
Below national average
Tuition
$12,004
Per year
Avg Net Price
$12,329
After financial aid
SAT Average
945
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$58,169
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
48.3 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$25
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Rolling
Governors State University accepts 48.3% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 945 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
945/ 1600
ACT Scores
19/ 36
Average: 19 out of 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
22.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
56.2%
4-Year Grad
10%
6-Year Grad
16%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
50.9%
$/Student
$13.0K
Class Size
Small
The 10% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$12,004
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,736
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,227
After Financial Aid
$12,329
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,563
Receive Grants
53.6%
Take Loans
38.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $24,227/yr, including $11,736 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $12,329.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Governors State University fund their education.
While in School
53.6%
Get Grants
Free money
38.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$20,792
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$18,618
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$197/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 38.5% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $18,618. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Governors State University.
Gender
63.2%
Female
37%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,556
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,825
Graduates
42.6%
First-Gen
27 yrs
Avg Age
42.3%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 27, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 42.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
2,556
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Governors State University fields 8 varsity teams with 302 student athletes, about 12% of the student body.
Division
NAIA
Division I
Conference
Chicagoland
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Track and Field (Outdoor)
Student Athletes
302
12% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
51% / 49%
155
Men
147
Women
7
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Governors State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$58,169
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$44K
96 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$42K
89 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$29K
84 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$42K
50 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$45K
44 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$48K
40 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $45K six years out, growing to $58K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Governors State University
What is the acceptance rate at Governors State University?▾
How much does Governors State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Governors State University?▾
How much do Governors State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.