GSU vs. Northeastern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern Illinois University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (5,734 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Northeastern Illinois University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Northeastern Illinois University 9:1.

GSU vs. Northeastern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Northeastern Illinois 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 Northeastern Illinois University ($12,756 vs. $14,140).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 11.5% lower than at Governors State University ($10,390 vs. $11,736).
• Northeastern Illinois University is 3.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $379 more per year; $12,383.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.3% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at Governors State University (about $10,722 more per year; $22,726.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern Illinois University than at Governors State University (87% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students is 12.4% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($12,876 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Northeastern Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Governors State University (950) is 40 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNortheastern Illinois University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.9 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• Northeastern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (74.6%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University.

GSU vs. Northeastern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Northeastern Illinois 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 $2,600 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than GSU graduates ($14,500 vs. $17,250).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GSU graduates ($149 vs. $178).
• More Northeastern Illinois 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.