GSU vs. Lakeland University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Lakeland University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 2,813 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Lakeland University is in Plymouth, WI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lakeland University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Lakeland University 12:1.

GSU vs. Lakeland University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Lakeland 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 Lakeland University ($12,756 vs. $24,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 3.3% lower than at Lakeland University ($11,736 vs. $12,140).
• Lakeland University is 178.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $21,392 more per year; $33,396.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 178.2% higher at Lakeland University than at Governors State University (about $21,392 more per year; $33,396.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lakeland University than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lakeland University students is 114.4% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($24,559 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Lakeland University Admissions comparison

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

• 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; Lakeland University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 1 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Lakeland University (3.0).
• Lakeland University has a higher acceptance rate (86.3%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 16.1% at Lakeland University.

GSU vs. Lakeland University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Lakeland 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 Lakeland University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $8,208 lower median loan debt than Lakeland University graduates ($17,250 vs. $25,458).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $85 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lakeland University graduates ($178 vs. $263).
• More Lakeland University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.