GSU vs. Bowie State University

Comparable Facts

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

Bowie State University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Bowie State University is in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Bowie State University 15:1.

GSU vs. Bowie State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Bowie State 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 Bowie State University ($12,756 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 4.1% lower than at Bowie State University ($11,736 vs. $12,241).
• Governors State University is 30.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $2,786 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.1% higher at Bowie State University than at Governors State University (about $7,934 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Governors State University than at Bowie State University (81% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 68% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($11,455 vs. $6,819).

GSU vs. Bowie State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Governors State University (950) is 10 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Bowie State University 796/1083.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Bowie State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.88 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• Bowie State University has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 27.3% at Bowie State University.

GSU vs. Bowie State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Bowie State 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 Bowie State University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $7,141 lower median loan debt than Bowie State University graduates ($17,250 vs. $24,391).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowie State University graduates ($178 vs. $252).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 29%)

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.