GSU vs. Harris-Stowe State University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Harris-Stowe State University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 1,002 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Harris Stowe State University is in Saint Louis, MO (Large City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Harris Stowe State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Harris Stowe State University 12:1.

GSU vs. Harris-Stowe State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Harris-Stowe 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 Harris Stowe State University than GSU ($9,418 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harris Stowe State University are 8.6% lower than at Governors State University ($10,728 vs. $11,736).
• Governors State University is 71.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harris-Stowe State University (about $4,996 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $7,008.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.1% higher at GSU than at Harris Stowe State University (about $364 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $11,640.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harris Stowe State University than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harris Stowe State University students is 7.6% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($12,325 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Harris-Stowe State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or Harris-Stowe 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 Harris-Stowe State University and GSU.

• Harris Stowe State 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; Harris-Stowe State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.96 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Harris-Stowe State University (3.04).

GSU vs. Harris-Stowe State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Harris-Stowe 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 $12,500 more per year than Harris-Stowe State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $30,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $9,775 lower median loan debt than Harris-Stowe State University graduates ($17,250 vs. $27,025).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harris-Stowe State University graduates ($178 vs. $279).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harris-Stowe State University students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 27%)

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.