At $9,477/yr net price, Governors State University graduates earn $58,169/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,169/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,477 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,908 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,169/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,169/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,618 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,982/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,419/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,856/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,513/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,292/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
19.6% of students at Governors State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Governors State University presents a mixed financial picture with strong earning potential in select programs but concerning completion rates that create significant risk for your investment.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, with graduates earning over $90,000 annually. Even accounting for higher debt loads around $40,000, the return justifies the investment. Business administration also delivers solid returns at $73,635, though the nearly $50,000 debt burden requires careful consideration. Rehabilitation programs show decent earning potential but carry debt loads that may stretch to $70,000.
Your biggest financial risk at GSU is the 19.6% graduation rate. This means four out of five students leave without a degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 59% retention rate signals that many students struggle from their first year.
GSU works financially if you can commit fully to finishing your degree and choose a high-return program like nursing. The low net price of $9,477 makes it affordable for Illinois residents seeking professional programs without the premium costs of flagship universities.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong academic support systems or prefer a traditional college environment. GSU serves primarily working adults and commuters, which explains the low retention but also means fewer campus resources for struggling students.
Financial aid reaches about half of students, and the relatively low debt burden for completers suggests reasonable aid packages. However, the graduation rate makes GSU a risky choice unless you have clear career goals in nursing or business and the discipline to finish what you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Governors State University worth the cost?
Governors State University offers good value with a low net price of $9,477 per year and modest debt load of $18,618. However, the 19.6% graduation rate is concerning and could limit your return on investment if you don't complete your degree.
What are the best paying majors at Governors State University?
Nursing programs at Governors State University lead to the highest earnings, with some graduates earning over $93,000 annually. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions and business administration also provide solid returns with median salaries between $65,000-$75,000.
How much debt do Governors State University graduates have?
Governors State University graduates typically leave with $18,618 in debt, which is below the national average. Given the low tuition costs and decent earning potential in top programs, this debt level is manageable for most career paths.
Do Governors State University graduates get good jobs after college?
Governors State University graduates earn a median of $58,169 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable given the low cost of attendance. Success varies significantly by program, with nursing and healthcare majors seeing much higher earnings than the overall average.