GSU vs. Rochester University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Rochester University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Rochester University is in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Rochester University 13:1.

GSU vs. Rochester University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Rochester 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 Rochester University ($12,756 vs. $21,611).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 10.7% lower than at Governors State University ($10,486 vs. $11,736).
• Rochester University is 143.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $17,192 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 143.2% higher at Rochester University than at Governors State University (about $17,192 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rochester University students is 71.8% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($19,674 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Rochester University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Governors State University (950) is the same as at Rochester University (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Rochester University 840/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRochester University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Rochester University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.87 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 22.2% at Rochester University.

GSU vs. Rochester University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Rochester 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 $4,500 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $7,153 lower median loan debt than Rochester University graduates ($17,250 vs. $24,403).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rochester University graduates ($178 vs. $252).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 45%)

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.