GSU vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GSU vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Bluffton 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 Bluffton University ($12,756 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 4% lower than at Bluffton University ($11,736 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 211.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $25,358 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 211.2% higher at Bluffton University than at Governors State University (about $25,358 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 174.8% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($31,481 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluffton University (1000) is 50 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.74 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• Bluffton University has a higher acceptance rate (67.2%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

GSU vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Bluffton 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 $2,000 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $9,750 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($17,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($178 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.