About Governors State University
Governors State University serves working adults and transfer students who need flexibility in their academic schedules. The university enrolls 2,518 students in University Park, a large suburban setting south of Chicago. Founded in 1969, GSU has built its reputation around accommodating non-traditional students with evening classes, online options, and accelerated degree programs. The acceptance rate of 57% reflects the school's mission to provide accessible higher education rather than exclusivity.
Students typically pay $9,477 after financial aid, making GSU one of the more affordable options in Illinois. With 52% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university clearly serves a population that needs financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $58,169 ten years after enrollment, which provides solid returns on the relatively modest student debt load of $18,618. The monthly loan payment of $197 remains manageable compared to typical starting salaries.
The student body is 62% women and predominantly diverse, with 41% Black students and 20% Hispanic students. Only 20% of students graduate in four years, but this reflects the working adult population that often attends part-time. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 94% employment rate shows graduates find work successfully after completing their degrees.
Students typically pay $9,477 after financial aid, making GSU one of the more affordable options in Illinois. With 52% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university clearly serves a population that needs financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $58,169 ten years after enrollment, which provides solid returns on the relatively modest student debt load of $18,618. The monthly loan payment of $197 remains manageable compared to typical starting salaries.
The student body is 62% women and predominantly diverse, with 41% Black students and 20% Hispanic students. Only 20% of students graduate in four years, but this reflects the working adult population that often attends part-time. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 94% employment rate shows graduates find work successfully after completing their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Governors State University serves primarily working adults and transfer students who need flexible class schedules to balance education with jobs and family responsibilities. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that many non-traditional students require. However, the 20% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that most students attend part-time while managing other commitments. The university offers practical, career-focused programs designed for students entering or advancing in their careers. Many courses are scheduled in evenings and weekends to accommodate working professionals. GSU functions as a full public university that prioritizes accessibility over selectivity, with programs that emphasize real-world application rather than theoretical research.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 27.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 20.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 19.6%
- Retention Rate
- 59.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,169
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,224 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $81,491 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $75,270 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,635 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $65,695 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,493 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $60,839 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $55,151 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $53,358 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,935 |
Campus Life
Governors State University sits in University Park, about 40 miles south of Chicago's downtown Loop. With only 280 housing spots for 2,518 students, just 11% can live on campus. Most students commute from nearby suburbs or drive up from the south side of Chicago. The campus feels quiet during traditional college hours because many students attend evening or weekend classes designed for working adults.
Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack a heavy coat for the long Illinois cold season. The student body is 62% women and diverse, with 41% Black students and 20% Hispanic students. Weekend life revolves around the Chicago area rather than campus activities. Students often head north to explore Chicago's neighborhoods, catch Cubs or White Sox games, or visit family. The 165 student-athletes competing in 14 NAIA sports provide some campus energy, but with 96% of students from Illinois and most living off-campus, GSU functions more like a commuter college than a traditional residential experience.
Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack a heavy coat for the long Illinois cold season. The student body is 62% women and diverse, with 41% Black students and 20% Hispanic students. Weekend life revolves around the Chicago area rather than campus activities. Students often head north to explore Chicago's neighborhoods, catch Cubs or White Sox games, or visit family. The 165 student-athletes competing in 14 NAIA sports provide some campus energy, but with 96% of students from Illinois and most living off-campus, GSU functions more like a commuter college than a traditional residential experience.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 280 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1969
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–31°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 28.2"
Student Demographics
Governors State serves a predominantly local student body, with 96% coming from Illinois. The university attracts a diverse mix of students, with Black students comprising the largest group at 41%, followed by white students at 28% and Hispanic students at 20%. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, reflecting the school's strength in fields like nursing, education, and social work. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to serving working-class families in the Chicago suburbs who need affordable, flexible degree options.
- Men
- 38.2%
- Women
- 61.8%
- White
- 28.2%
- Black
- 40.8%
- Hispanic
- 19.7%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 95.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 52.4%
Location
University Park sits about 30 miles south of Chicago in Illinois's suburban sprawl. The campus occupies 750 acres in a large suburban setting that feels removed from urban energy. This isn't a traditional college town but rather a commuter-friendly location where 95.73% of students come from in-state. The area serves working professionals and transfer students who need flexible access to degree programs. With only 280 students living on campus out of 2,518 total enrollment, most students drive to class from surrounding communities. The suburban location offers parking and accessibility that appeals to non-traditional students juggling work and family commitments. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Governors State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- University Park, Illinois 60484
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,169
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,584
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 45.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $197/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,618
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Governors State University?
Governors State University accepts 57% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a public university. The school primarily serves working adults and transfer students who need flexible scheduling options.
How much does Governors State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,477 annually at Governors State University. Over half of students (52%) receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving lower-income families in the Chicago suburbs.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Governors State University?
Governors State University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,518 total students. This small class size supports the university's focus on personalized attention for adult learners and career changers.
What are the graduation rates at Governors State University?
Only 20% of students graduate within four years and 20% within six years at Governors State University. These low completion rates reflect the challenges many working adult students face balancing education with employment and family responsibilities.
Where is Governors State University located?
Governors State University sits in University Park, Illinois, a large suburban area south of Chicago. The campus houses only 280 students in residence halls, as 96% of the student body comes from in-state and many commute.
Does Governors State University offer athletic scholarships?
Governors State University awards $1.1 million in athletic scholarships across 14 varsity sports competing at the NAIA level. The Jaguars field teams for 165 total student-athletes, providing opportunities for smaller-scale collegiate competition.
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