GSU vs. Lewis University

Comparable Facts

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

Lewis University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (7,011 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Lewis University is in Romeoville, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lewis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Lewis University 13:1.

GSU vs. Lewis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Lewis 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 Lewis University ($12,756 vs. $18,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 3.3% lower than at Lewis University ($11,736 vs. $12,140).
• Lewis University is 226.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $27,196 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 226.6% higher at Lewis University than at Governors State University (about $27,196 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lewis University than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis University students is 150.7% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($28,717 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Lewis University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lewis University (1090) is 140 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Lewis University 960/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLewis University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Lewis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Lewis University (3.6).
• Lewis University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 15.3% at Lewis University.

GSU vs. Lewis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Lewis 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 Lewis University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,500 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $7,375 lower median loan debt than Lewis University graduates ($17,250 vs. $24,625).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $76 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lewis University graduates ($178 vs. $254).
• More Lewis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.