Governors State University
Governors State University is a public university in University Park, IL ranked #1420 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 2,556 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 48.3%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Accounting and Related Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 56.2% first-year retention, and 22.1% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $12,329, about $4,669 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -7.9%, roughly 93.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $45,435. That's about $1,747 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Governors State University has an acceptance rate of 48.3%, annual tuition of $12,004, average net price of $12,329, and a national rank of #1420 (Grade C+), with a 22.1% six-year graduation rate, about 2,556 undergraduates, and median earnings of $45,435 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Governors State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Governors State University graduates 22.1% of students within six years and keeps 56.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Governors State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $12,004 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,736 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $24,227 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 53.6% of Governors State University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,563 to $22,076 depending on family income. Use Governors State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,741/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $22,076/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,435
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,435
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 45.2%
- Employment Rate 88.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Governors State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Governors State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Governors State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Governors State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Governors State University graduates earn $45,435 median, the -7.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,556
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 56.2%
- Graduation Rate 22.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Governors State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Governors State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 48.3%, Governors State University is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Governors State University accepts 48.3% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Governors State University undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 12.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 11.9%
- Psychology, General 11.4%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.5%
- Public Health 6.0%
- Social Work 5.2%
See more majors
- Communication and Media Studies 5.1%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $107,166
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $64,348
- 3. Health and Medical Administrative Services $63,258
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $62,132
- 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General $62,049
- 6. Criminal Justice and Corrections $58,832
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $57,653
- 8. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $53,312
- 9. Communication and Media Studies $52,179
- 10. Computer Science $52,115
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $109,637
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $97,774
- 3. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $91,005
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $83,903
- 5. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $80,009
- 6. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $74,981
- 7. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $68,831
- 8. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $64,122
- 9. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $60,544
- 10. Social Work (Master's Degree) $58,209
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $107,166—106% more than Computer Science ($52,115). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $109,637 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Governors State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 108 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 100 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 96 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 63 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 61 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (26 programs)â–¼
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Public Health
- Social Work
- Communication and Media Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mathematics
- Biology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Economics
- Chemistry
- History
- Social Sciences, General
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
Online Master's Degrees (26 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Social Work
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Computer Science
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Psychology, General
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Public Administration
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Political Science and Government
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
Online Doctoral Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (11 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Security Science and Technology
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Biology, General
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,556
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 36.9%
- Female Students 63.1%
- Caucasian 28.0%
- Asian 2.1%
- Hispanic 19.9%
- Black 40.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 53.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Governors State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Governors State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Governors State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Governors State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Governors State University has a diverse student body, with 28.0% identifying as White. Women make up 63.1% of undergraduates. 53.6% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Governors State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Governors State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Governors State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1420 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $12,329 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $45,435 median earnings. The 22.1% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 56.2% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Governors State University's Strengths
Ranked #1420 with a C+ grade, Governors State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Governors State University excel at providing affordable education ($12,329 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Governors State University's 56.2% retention and 22.1% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($45,435 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Governors State University and $12,329 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 22.1% six-year graduation rate sits 40.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 56.2% first-year retention is 20.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -7.9% return on investment is 93.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,435 run about 4% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $12,329 is roughly $5,068 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 56.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.2% employment rate within three years sits 20.0 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in University Park, IL, Governors State University operates as a public university and receives a C+ from EDsmart. It appears at #1420 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion C-, Support C+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability A-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
56.2% of learners come back after year one while 22.1% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -7.9% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $12,329 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $24,227.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,898 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 53.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $45,435 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 4% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 88.2% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -7.9% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
48.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Governors State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Governors State University's acceptance rate?
Governors State University's acceptance rate is 48.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Governors State University cost?
At Governors State University, listed tuition and fees are $12,004 per year, and the average net price after aid is $12,329. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Governors State University's ranking?
Governors State University ranks #1420 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Governors State University's graduation rate?
At Governors State University, the six-year graduation rate is 22.1%, and first-year retention is 56.2%.
What are Governors State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Governors State University report median earnings of $45,435 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Governors State University's student population?
Governors State University enrolls about 2,556 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address University Park, IL 60484
- Website www.govst.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$3.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate38.7%