GSU vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, IL with Marian University in Fond Du Lac, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Governors State University is larger than Marian University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 1,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GSU vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Marian 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 Marian University ($12,756 vs. $22,697).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marian University are 16.1% lower than at Governors State University ($9,849 vs. $11,736).
• Marian University is 193.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $23,174 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 193.1% higher at Marian University than at Governors State University (about $23,174 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marian University than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marian University students is 90.4% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($21,805 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Governors State University (950) is 10 points higher than at Marian University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Marian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMarian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Marian University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.84 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Marian University (3.16).
• Marian University has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 18% at Marian University.

GSU vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Marian 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 Marian University earn a median of about $900 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 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 Marian University graduates ($17,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marian University graduates ($178 vs. $279).
• More Marian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.