CSU vs. GSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, IL with Governors State University in University Park, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Governors State University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 2,238 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Governors State University is in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Governors State University 11:1.

CSU vs. GSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU 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 Chicago State University than GSU ($10,441 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chicago State University are 1.6% lower than at Governors State University ($11,550 vs. $11,736).
• Chicago State University is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $750 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at CSU than at Governors State University (about $750 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at Governors State University (99% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 58.8% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($18,194 vs. $11,455).

CSU vs. GSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or GSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between GSU and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Governors State University (950) is 90 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Chicago State University 750/963; Governors State University 830/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Chicago State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; GSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman GSU students have a 0.82 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at CSU (3.18).
• GSU has a higher acceptance rate (48.3%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 16.8% at GSU.

CSU vs. GSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and GSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Chicago State University's six-year graduation rate is 21%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for GSU.
• Graduates from Governors State University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $14,000 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($17,250 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $145 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($178 vs. $323).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU 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.