EIU vs. GSU

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern Illinois University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (8,505 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Governors State University is in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Governors State University 11:1.

EIU vs. GSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU 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 EIU ($12,756 vs. $13,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 4.4% lower than at Eastern Illinois University ($11,736 vs. $12,282).
• Eastern Illinois University is 14% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $1,675 more per year; $13,679.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.1% higher at EIU than at Governors State University (about $4,213 more per year; $16,217.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Illinois University than at Governors State University (95% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Illinois University students is 13.1% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($12,960 vs. $11,455).

EIU vs. GSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU 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 EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Illinois University (990) is 40 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; Governors State University 830/1060.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; GSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at EIU (3.39).
• EIU has a higher acceptance rate (65.3%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 16.8% at GSU.

EIU vs. GSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU 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 Eastern Illinois University earn a median of about $900 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $6,400 lower median loan debt than EIU graduates ($17,250 vs. $23,650).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EIU graduates ($178 vs. $244).
• More EIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 48%)

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.