GSU vs. Rockford University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Rockford University is in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Rockford University 10:1.

GSU vs. Rockford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Rockford 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 Rockford University ($12,756 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 2.7% lower than at Governors State University ($11,420 vs. $11,736).
• Rockford University is 214.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $25,776 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 214.7% higher at Rockford University than at Governors State University (about $25,776 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rockford University than at Governors State University (98% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 124.1% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($25,671 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Rockford University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockford University (960) is 10 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Rockford University 850/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRockford University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Rockford University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.75 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 13.4% at Rockford University.

GSU vs. Rockford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Rockford 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 Rockford University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $7,750 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($17,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $80 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($178 vs. $258).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.