GSU vs. Milikin

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Milikin based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 1,586 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Millikin University is in Decatur, IL (Small City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Millikin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Millikin University 10:1.

GSU vs. Milikin Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Milikin? 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 Milikin ($12,756 vs. $22,813).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 14.3% lower than at Millikin University ($11,736 vs. $13,695).
• Millikin University is 124% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $14,888 more per year; $26,892.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 124% higher at Milikin than at Governors State University (about $14,888 more per year; $26,892.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Millikin University than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Millikin University students is 203.2% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($34,733 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Milikin Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or Milikin? 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 Milikin and GSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Millikin University (1000) is 50 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Millikin University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMillikin University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Milikin - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Milikin (3.4).
• Milikin has a higher acceptance rate (66.7%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 10% at Milikin.

GSU vs. Milikin Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Milikin? 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 Millikin University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 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 Milikin graduates ($17,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Milikin graduates ($178 vs. $279).
• More Milikin graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.