GSU vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GSU vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Central 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 Central College ($12,756 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 2.7% lower than at Central College ($11,736 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 74.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $8,984 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.8% higher at Central College than at Governors State University (about $8,984 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 21.6% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($13,925 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Central College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 140 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentral College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Central College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Central College (3.52).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 21% at Central College.

GSU vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Central 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 Central College earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $9,750 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($17,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($178 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.