GSU vs. Franklin University

Comparable Facts

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

Franklin University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (9,457 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Franklin University is in Columbus, OH (Large City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Franklin University 17:1.

GSU vs. Franklin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Franklin 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 Franklin University ($12,756 vs. $25,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 29.9% lower than at Franklin University ($11,736 vs. $16,740).
• Governors State University is 25.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Franklin University (about $2,427 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $9,577.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.3% higher at GSU than at Franklin University (about $2,427 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $9,577.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin University than at Governors State University (96% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 121.7% larger than aid received by Franklin University students ($11,455 vs. $5,166).

GSU vs. Franklin University Admissions comparison

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

• Franklin University 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; Franklin University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.

GSU vs. Franklin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Franklin 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 Franklin University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,100 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $7,750 lower median loan debt than Franklin University graduates ($17,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $80 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Franklin University graduates ($178 vs. $258).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Franklin University students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 38%)

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.