Elmhurst University vs. GSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Governors State University is in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Governors State University 11:1.

Elmhurst University vs. GSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University 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 Elmhurst University ($12,756 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 19.2% lower than at Elmhurst University ($11,736 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 257.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $30,951 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 257.8% higher at Elmhurst University than at Governors State University (about $30,951 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 162.6% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($30,079 vs. $11,455).

Elmhurst University vs. GSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elmhurst University 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 Elmhurst University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmhurst University (1130) is 180 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Governors State University 830/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; GSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Elmhurst University (3.59).
• Elmhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (73.6%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 16.8% at GSU.

Elmhurst University vs. GSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University 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 Elmhurst University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Elmhurst University graduates ($17,250 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Elmhurst University graduates ($178 vs. $222).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.