GSU vs. Maharishi International University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Maharishi International University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 2,592 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Maharishi International University is in Fairfield, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Maharishi International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Maharishi International University 13:1.

GSU vs. Maharishi International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Maharishi International 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 Maharishi International University ($12,756 vs. $16,281).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Maharishi International University are 36.9% lower than at Governors State University ($7,400 vs. $11,736).
• Maharishi International University is 37.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $4,526 more per year; $16,530.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.7% higher at Maharishi International University than at Governors State University (about $4,526 more per year; $16,530.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Maharishi International University than at Governors State University (97% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Maharishi International University students is 0.4% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($11,496 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Maharishi International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or Maharishi International 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 Maharishi International 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; Maharishi International University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; Maharishi International University Jul 30, 2027.
• Maharishi International University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 75.3% at Maharishi International University.

GSU vs. Maharishi International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Maharishi International 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 $13,300 more per year than Maharishi International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $29,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $21,787 lower median loan debt than Maharishi International University graduates ($17,250 vs. $39,037).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $225 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Maharishi International University graduates ($178 vs. $403).
• More Maharishi International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.