GSU vs. Baker College

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Baker College based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 3,955 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GSU vs. Baker College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Baker College? 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 Baker College ($12,756 vs. $13,616).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Baker College are 35.2% lower than at Governors State University ($7,600 vs. $11,736).
• Baker College is 8.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $996 more per year; $13,000.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.3% higher at Baker College than at Governors State University (about $996 more per year; $13,000.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Baker College than at Governors State University (93% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 8.9% larger than aid received by Baker College students ($11,455 vs. $10,514).

GSU vs. Baker College Admissions comparison

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

• Baker College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Baker College (1060) is 110 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Baker College 960/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Baker College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; Baker College Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.8 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Baker College (3.2).
• Baker College has a higher acceptance rate (81.9%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 43.5% at Baker College.

GSU vs. Baker College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Baker 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 Governors State University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Baker College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $6,721 lower median loan debt than Baker College graduates ($17,250 vs. $23,971).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $69 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Baker College graduates ($178 vs. $247).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Baker College students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 31%)

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.