Overview
Governors State University is a public 4-year college located in University Park, Illinois. There are currently 2,589 undergraduates at Governors State and the school’s acceptance rate is 57%. The tuition at Governors State is $10,468 for in-state students and $17,980 for out-of-state.
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
2,589
Pell Grant 53%
Undergrad Students Over 25 46%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 37%
Percent Male / Female 37% / 63%
Ethnic Diversity at Governors State
40% Black
30% White
19% Hispanic
3% Multiracial
3% Unknown
2% Asian / Pacific Islander
2% International / Non-Citizen
Academics Snapshot
Student/Faculty Ratio
10:1
Graduation Rate
21%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
20%
20% of graduates
Liberal Arts & Humanities
15%
15% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
14%
14% of graduates
Psychology
13%
13% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
9%
9% of graduates
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services
8%
8% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
5%
5% of graduates
Education
4%
4% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
3%
3% of graduates
Social Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
1%
1% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Physical Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$25,568
$23,247
$9,833
Cost Breakdown
In-State
In-State Estimated Cost:
$25,568for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Out-of-State
Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:
$33,080for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Since Governors State is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at Governors State is $25,568 for in-state students in IL, and $33,080 for out-of-state students. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Governors State would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Using State Grants at Governors State
Illinois residents considering Governors State should be sure to look into the MAP program. In-state students who demonstrate financial need can qualify for MAP grant money from the state as long as the program is on the list of approved colleges. The program can pay up to $8,400 per year towards your education. Approved schools include both public and private options.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Illinois scholarshipsGovernors State University Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at Governors State University need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Governors State University is 009145.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Pell Grants at Governors State University
62% of students at Governors State University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Governors State University.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Governors State students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Governors State University Financial Aid Resources
If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Governors State or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://www.govst.edu/financial-aid/
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 708-534-4480
Admissions Snapshot
57%
19
925 is the median SAT score and 19 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Governors State. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Is Governors State test-optional?
Governors State University is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Governors State University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Governors State University receive between a and a on their ACT, or a 835 and a 1015 on their SAT.
Early Action
Rolling deadline at Governors State
Governors State University accepts applications on a rolling basis. That means that the earlier you submit your application, the better chance you have of gaining admission and strong financial aid. Many schools with rolling admissions have priority deadlines, which means that students that submit their application before these dates have a better chance of receiving financial aid. Be sure to check Governors State's website to become familiar with their admissions dates.
Should I apply Early Action at Governors State?
Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.
Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.
Student Outcomes Snapshot
Graduate Income
$58,169
Median Debt $18,618
Debt 10 years after graduation $197
Graduation Rate 21%
What is the graduation rate at Governors State University?
21% of students who start at Governors State University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 37% less than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Governors State University go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at Governors State University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $58,169. This is $7,778 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Governors State take out in loans?
Graduates of Governors State have to take out a median of $18,618 in federal student loans. This is $5,118 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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