AAMU vs. GSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama A & M University in Normal, AL with Governors State University in University Park, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alabama A & M University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (7,295 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama A & M University is located in Normal, AL (Midsize City setting); Governors State University is in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Alabama A & M University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama A & M University 19:1; Governors State University 11:1.

AAMU vs. GSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AAMU or GSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Governors State University than AAMU ($12,756 vs. $17,152).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alabama A & M University are 2.8% lower than at Governors State University ($11,402 vs. $11,736).
• Governors State University is 19.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than AAMU (about $1,980 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $10,024.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.2% higher at AAMU than at Governors State University (about $6,630 more per year; $18,634.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alabama A & M University than at Governors State University (86% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alabama A & M University students is 12.1% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($12,844 vs. $11,455).

AAMU vs. GSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AAMU or GSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between GSU and AAMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Governors State University (950) is 20 points higher than at AAMU (930).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 810/1040; Governors State University 830/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AAMU - Test optional; GSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.98 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at AAMU (3.02).
• AAMU has a higher acceptance rate (58%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.5% at AAMU vs. 16.8% at GSU.

AAMU vs. GSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AAMU and GSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Governors State University earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than AAMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $17,750 lower median loan debt than AAMU graduates ($17,250 vs. $35,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $183 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AAMU graduates ($178 vs. $361).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AAMU students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 25%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.