GSU vs. Shawnee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Shawnee State University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 3,231 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Shawnee State University is in Portsmouth, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shawnee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Shawnee State University 12:1.

GSU vs. Shawnee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Shawnee State 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 Shawnee State University ($12,756 vs. $13,996).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 6.1% lower than at Shawnee State University ($11,736 vs. $12,502).
• Governors State University is 13% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shawnee State University (about $1,378 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $10,626.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.6% higher at Shawnee State University than at Governors State University (about $5,354 more per year; $17,358.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shawnee State University than at Governors State University (87% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 46.5% larger than aid received by Shawnee State University students ($11,455 vs. $7,820).

GSU vs. Shawnee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Shawnee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; Shawnee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.7 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Shawnee State University (3.3).

GSU vs. Shawnee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Shawnee State 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 $6,300 more per year than Shawnee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $36,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $6,462 lower median loan debt than Shawnee State University graduates ($17,250 vs. $23,712).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shawnee State University graduates ($178 vs. $245).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shawnee State University students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 36%)

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.