GSU vs. Lincoln University of Missouri

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, IL with Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Governors State University is larger than Lincoln University of Missouri based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 2,054 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GSU vs. Lincoln University of Missouri Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Lincoln University of Missouri? 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 Lincoln University of Missouri ($12,756 vs. $14,002).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lincoln University are 12.6% lower than at Governors State University ($10,256 vs. $11,736).
• Governors State University is 22.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lincoln University of Missouri (about $2,208 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $9,796.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.4% higher at Lincoln University of Missouri than at Governors State University (about $5,688 more per year; $17,692.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lincoln University than at Governors State University (87% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 19.4% larger than aid received by Lincoln University students ($11,455 vs. $9,595).

GSU vs. Lincoln University of Missouri Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or Lincoln University of Missouri? 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 Lincoln University of Missouri and GSU.

• Lincoln 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; Lincoln University of Missouri - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 1.25 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Lincoln University of Missouri (2.75).

GSU vs. Lincoln University of Missouri Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Lincoln University of Missouri? 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 $11,100 more per year than Lincoln University of Missouri graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $31,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $6,710 lower median loan debt than Lincoln University of Missouri graduates ($17,250 vs. $23,960).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $69 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lincoln University of Missouri graduates ($178 vs. $247).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lincoln University of Missouri students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 37%)

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.