GSU vs. National Louis University

Comparable Facts

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

National Louis University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (8,915 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); National Louis University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. National Louis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; National Louis University 17:1.

GSU vs. National Louis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or National Louis 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 National Louis University ($12,756 vs. $13,150).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 20.2% lower than at National Louis University ($11,736 vs. $14,700).
• National Louis University is 5.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $701 more per year; $12,705.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at National Louis University than at Governors State University (about $701 more per year; $12,705.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at National Louis University than at Governors State University (83% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 3.6% larger than aid received by National Louis University students ($11,455 vs. $11,056).

GSU vs. National Louis University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or National Louis 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 National Louis 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; National Louis University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 1.2 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at National Louis University (2.8).
• National Louis University has a higher acceptance rate (95.1%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 18.4% at National Louis University.

GSU vs. National Louis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and National Louis 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 National Louis University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $2,587 lower median loan debt than National Louis University graduates ($17,250 vs. $19,837).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than National Louis University graduates ($178 vs. $205).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former National Louis University students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 44%)

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.