GSU vs. North Park University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than North Park University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 2,557 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); North Park University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; North Park University 12:1.

GSU vs. North Park University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or North Park 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 North Park University ($12,756 vs. $20,372).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Park University are 5.5% lower than at Governors State University ($11,090 vs. $11,736).
• North Park University is 205.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $24,706 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 205.8% higher at North Park University than at Governors State University (about $24,706 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Park University than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Park University students is 113.7% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($24,476 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. North Park University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Park University (1030) is 80 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; North Park University 890/1162.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorth Park University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; North Park University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.86 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at North Park University (3.14).
• North Park University has a higher acceptance rate (68.5%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 14.3% at North Park University.

GSU vs. North Park University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and North Park 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 North Park University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than North Park University graduates ($17,250 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Park University graduates ($178 vs. $271).
• More North Park University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.