GSU vs. Jackson State University

Comparable Facts

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

Jackson State University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (6,326 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Jackson State University is in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Jackson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Jackson State University 14:1.

GSU vs. Jackson State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Jackson 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 Governors State University than Jackson State University ($12,756 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 18.2% lower than at Jackson State University ($11,736 vs. $14,341).
• Governors State University is 33.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jackson State University (about $3,039 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $8,965.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.3% higher at GSU than at Jackson State University (about $39 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Jackson State University than at Governors State University (89% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 36.6% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($11,455 vs. $8,386).

GSU vs. Jackson State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Governors State University (950) is the same as at Jackson State University (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Jackson State University 820/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJackson State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Jackson State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.9 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Jackson State University (3.1).
• Jackson State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.1%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 6.6% at Jackson State University.

GSU vs. Jackson State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Jackson 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 $9,800 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $11,750 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($17,250 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $121 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($178 vs. $299).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 36%)

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.