Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 20.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 19.6%
- Retention Rate
- 59.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $58,169
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,618
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 45.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $197/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,224 | $41,125 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $81,491 | $12,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $75,270 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,635 | $49,932 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $65,695 | $69,700 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,493 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $60,839 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $55,151 | $42,900 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $53,358 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,935 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $18,750 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $45,696 | $15,750 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $44,595 | $47,477 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $15,000 |
| Social Work. | Master | $41,479 | $41,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Governors State graduates earn a median of $58,169 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 32% with typical debt of $18,618. Monthly loan payments of $197 represent about 4% of graduates' income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's focus on working adults and career-changers shows in its 93.8% employment rate. Many graduates enter healthcare, education, and business fields that value the practical skills emphasized in GSU's programs. Despite the low 19.6% six-year graduation rate, those who complete degrees see solid financial returns. The affordable tuition and manageable debt levels create a strong return on investment for students who finish their programs.