GSU vs. Northern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Michigan University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (7,409 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 Michigan University is in Marquette, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Northern Michigan University 18:1.

GSU vs. Northern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University ($12,756 vs. $15,707).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 11.6% lower than at Northern Michigan University ($11,736 vs. $13,274).
• Northern Michigan University is 18.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $2,273 more per year; $14,277.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.7% higher at Northern Michigan University than at Governors State University (about $7,769 more per year; $19,773.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Michigan University than at Governors State University (94% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Michigan University students is 4.9% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($12,012 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Northern Michigan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan 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; Northern Michigan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.67 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Northern Michigan University (3.33).
• Northern Michigan University has a higher acceptance rate (84%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 15.3% at Northern Michigan University.

GSU vs. Northern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Northern Michigan 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 $4,200 more per year than Northern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $5,042 lower median loan debt than Northern Michigan University graduates ($17,250 vs. $22,292).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Michigan University graduates ($178 vs. $230).
• More Northern Michigan 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.