GSU vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Central State University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Central State University is in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Central State University 16:1.

GSU vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Central 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 Central State University than GSU ($11,398 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 2.4% lower than at Central State University ($11,736 vs. $12,026).
• Governors State University is 49% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $3,946 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.3% higher at GSU than at Central State University (about $1,946 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Governors State University (99% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 62.8% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($18,654 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Governors State University (950) is 90 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentral State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Central State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 1.2 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

GSU vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Central 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 Governors State University earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $21,750 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($17,250 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $225 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($178 vs. $403).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 16%)

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.