GSU vs. Madonna University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Madonna University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 2,124 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GSU vs. Madonna University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Madonna 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 Madonna University ($12,756 vs. $18,373).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 8.6% lower than at Madonna University ($11,736 vs. $12,840).
• Madonna University is 136.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $16,436 more per year; $28,440.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 136.9% higher at Madonna University than at Governors State University (about $16,436 more per year; $28,440.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Madonna University than at Governors State University (98% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Madonna University students is 96.2% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($22,471 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Madonna University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Madonna University (980) is 30 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Madonna University 880/1080.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Madonna University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Madonna University (3.35).
• Madonna University has a higher acceptance rate (63.4%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 25.2% at Madonna University.

GSU vs. Madonna University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Madonna 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 $200 more per year than Madonna University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $42,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $7,750 lower median loan debt than Madonna University graduates ($17,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $80 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Madonna University graduates ($178 vs. $258).
• More Madonna University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (48% 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.