GSU vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Bethel University 12:1.

GSU vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Bethel 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 Bethel University ($12,756 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 5.1% lower than at Governors State University ($11,140 vs. $11,736).
• Bethel University is 188.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $22,596 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 188.2% higher at Bethel University than at Governors State University (about $22,596 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Governors State University (95% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 118.6% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($25,046 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel 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; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Bethel University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

GSU vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Bethel 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 $3,200 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $8,815 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($17,250 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $91 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($178 vs. $269).
• More Bethel 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.