GSU vs. Loras College

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, IL with Loras College in Dubuque, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Governors State University is larger than Loras College based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 1,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Loras College is in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Loras College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Loras College 12:1.

GSU vs. Loras College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Loras College? 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 Loras College ($12,756 vs. $21,631).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Loras College are 6.3% lower than at Governors State University ($11,000 vs. $11,736).
• Loras College is 231.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $27,820 more per year; $39,824.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 231.8% higher at Loras College than at Governors State University (about $27,820 more per year; $39,824.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Loras College than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Loras College students is 151.7% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($28,835 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Loras College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or Loras College? 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 Loras College 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; Loras College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Loras College (3.48).
• Loras College has a higher acceptance rate (99.9%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 18.6% at Loras College.

GSU vs. Loras College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Loras College? 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 Loras College earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $9,750 lower median loan debt than Loras College graduates ($17,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Loras College graduates ($178 vs. $279).
• More Loras College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.