GSU vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (5,689 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Columbia College 20:1.

GSU vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Columbia 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 Columbia College ($12,756 vs. $21,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 18.6% lower than at Governors State University ($9,552 vs. $11,736).
• Columbia College is 115.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $13,822 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 115.1% higher at Columbia College than at Governors State University (about $13,822 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Governors State University (91% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 38.6% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($15,882 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Columbia College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Columbia College (3.59).

GSU vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Columbia 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 Governors State University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $4,784 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($17,250 vs. $22,034).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($178 vs. $227).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 40%)

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.