GSU vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Northern Illinois University is in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Northern Illinois University 15:1.

GSU vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Northern Illinois? 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 Northern Illinois ($12,756 vs. $14,243).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 17.1% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($11,736 vs. $14,160).
• Northern Illinois University is 10.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $1,244 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.4% higher at Northern Illinois than at Governors State University (about $1,244 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Governors State University (98% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 25.6% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($14,387 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 110 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Northern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorthern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.7 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Northern Illinois has a higher acceptance rate (69.8%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 12.1% at Northern Illinois.

GSU vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Northern Illinois? 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 Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $6,609 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($17,250 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($178 vs. $246).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.