GSU vs. Principia College

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Principia College is in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Principia College 6:1.

GSU vs. Principia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Principia College? 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 Principia College ($12,756 vs. $18,248).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 15.6% lower than at Principia College ($11,736 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 188.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $22,676 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 188.9% higher at Principia College than at Governors State University (about $22,676 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Principia College than at Governors State University (90% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 165.4% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($30,402 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Principia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or Principia College? 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 Principia College and GSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is 200 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Principia College 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsPrincipia College 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Principia College - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.66 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Principia College (3.34).

GSU vs. Principia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Principia College? 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).

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.