GSU vs. Anderson University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Anderson University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 1,228 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Anderson University is in Anderson, IN (Small City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Anderson University 10:1.

GSU vs. Anderson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Anderson University? 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 Anderson University ($12,756 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 8.3% lower than at Anderson University ($11,736 vs. $12,800).
• Anderson University is 210.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $25,236 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 210.2% higher at Anderson University than at Governors State University (about $25,236 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 126.5% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($25,946 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Anderson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or Anderson University? 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 Anderson University and GSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1030) is 80 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Anderson University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsAnderson University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Anderson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Anderson University (3.4).
• Anderson University has a higher acceptance rate (79.3%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 8.3% at Anderson University.

GSU vs. Anderson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Anderson University? 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 $2,200 more per year than Anderson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $9,750 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($17,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($178 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.