GSU vs. EWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, IL with Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Washington University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (10,492 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Eastern Washington University is in Cheney, WA (Town Fringe setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Eastern Washington University 18:1.

GSU vs. EWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or EWU? 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 EWU ($12,756 vs. $14,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 24.6% lower than at Eastern Washington University ($11,736 vs. $15,574).
• Governors State University is 39.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than EWU (about $3,418 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $8,586.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 116.3% higher at EWU than at Governors State University (about $13,955 more per year; $25,959.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Washington University than at Governors State University (86% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 14.5% larger than aid received by Eastern Washington University students ($11,455 vs. $10,001).

GSU vs. EWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or EWU? 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 EWU and GSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Washington University (990) is 40 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Eastern Washington University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsEastern Washington University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; EWU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; EWU Sep 10, 2026.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.71 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at EWU (3.29).
• EWU has a higher acceptance rate (90.7%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 22.7% at EWU.

GSU vs. EWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and EWU? 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 Eastern Washington University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $3,568 lower median loan debt than EWU graduates ($17,250 vs. $20,818).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EWU graduates ($178 vs. $215).
• More EWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.