GSU vs. Allen College

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Allen College is in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Allen College 8:1.

GSU vs. Allen College Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen College are 25% lower than at Governors State University ($8,800 vs. $11,736).
• Allen College is 62.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $7,512 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.6% higher at Allen College than at Governors State University (about $7,512 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Governors State University than at Allen College (81% vs. 0%).

GSU vs. Allen College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or Allen College? 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 Allen College and GSU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Allen College - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; Allen College Feb 1, 2027.

GSU vs. Allen College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Allen College? 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 Allen College earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,100 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen College graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than GSU graduates ($16,750 vs. $17,250).
• Among borrowers, Allen College graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GSU graduates ($173 vs. $178).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.