Governors State University
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About Governors State University
Governors State University is profiled below with full outcomes data from federal sources.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public University
- Carnegie Class
- Master's University
- Enrollment
- 2,556
- Setting
- Suburban
- Primary Strengths
- Business & Marketing, Humanities, Psychology, Health Professions
Why students choose Governors State University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Selective — admits about 48% of applicants. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $12,329 a year after grants and scholarships — 28% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $58,169 ten years after enrolling — 43% above the typical college, against $18,618 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Mobility and social-capital data are limited for this school — see what's reported below.
See mobility →Overview
Just over half of the students at Governors State University receive Pell Grants, highlighting its commitment to serving low-income students. With an acceptance rate of 48%, the university attracts a diverse student body, though only 21% of those enrolled graduate within six years.
The economic mobility data for Governors State University shows a mixed picture. While specific mobility rates aren't available, the earnings potential for graduates is notable. Alumni report an average income of $58,169 ten years after graduation, suggesting that a degree from this institution can lead to solid financial outcomes for many.
In practical terms, the net price for students is approximately $12,329, which is relatively affordable compared to national averages. Graduates leave with a median debt of $18,618, making it manageable for many. Students who thrive at Governors State typically pursue programs in Business, Humanities, Psychology, Health Professions, or Computer Science & IT. These fields align well with workforce needs and can lead to promising career paths.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective Governors State University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Governors State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Governors State University, located in University Park, Illinois, reviews applicants selectively, with an acceptance rate near 48%. Admitted students typically arrive with a mid-range ACT score around 19. The school reports a graduation rate of roughly 21%.
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Governors State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
When weighing the true cost of attending Governors State University, prospective students should look past the published sticker price of $12,004 in tuition. The figure that matters more is the average net price — the actual out-of-pocket cost after federal grants, institutional scholarships, and student loans — which works out to about $12,329 for families who qualify for aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $9,563 after need-based grants. Graduates leave with a median federal student-loan debt of about $18,618.
What Families Actually Pay
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Governors State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Governors State University earn a median of $58,169, roughly in line with national averages for graduates.
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
How Governors Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
College ROI Calculator
Is Governors State University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Governors State University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $12,329/year ($49,316 total). Graduates earn $58,169 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,607,324 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,558,008 (32.6× your investment). The median debt is $18,618, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 21% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
Top Programs
The fields Governors State University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Each links to its degree guide — with salary, growth, and the schools with the strongest outcomes.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Governors State University's most popular programs, with median pay and projected growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Governors State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements +
Governors State University, located in University Park, Illinois, reviews applicants selectively, with an acceptance rate near 48%. Admitted students typically arrive with a mid-range ACT score around 19. The school reports a graduation rate of roughly 21%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Governors State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid +
When weighing the true cost of attending Governors State University, prospective students should look past the published sticker price of $12,004 in tuition. The figure that matters more is the average net price — the actual out-of-pocket cost after federal grants, institutional scholarships, and student loans — which works out to about $12,329 for families who qualify for aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $9,563 after need-based grants. Graduates leave with a median federal student-loan debt of about $18,618.
Is Governors State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI +
Ten years out, alumni of Governors State University earn a median of $58,169, roughly in line with national averages for graduates.
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