GSU vs. South Carolina State University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than South Carolina State University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 3,242 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); South Carolina State University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; South Carolina State University 19:1.

GSU vs. South Carolina State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or South Carolina 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 South Carolina State University ($12,756 vs. $17,965).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 23.3% lower than at Governors State University ($9,000 vs. $11,736).
• Governors State University is 8.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Carolina State University (about $944 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $11,060.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.2% higher at South Carolina State University than at Governors State University (about $9,746 more per year; $21,750.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Carolina State University than at Governors State University (95% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by South Carolina State University students is 1.1% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($11,579 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. South Carolina State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Governors State University (950) is 20 points higher than at South Carolina State University (930).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; South Carolina State University 800/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSouth Carolina State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; South Carolina State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.83 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at South Carolina State University (3.17).
• South Carolina State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 11.4% at South Carolina State University.

GSU vs. South Carolina State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and South Carolina 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 $11,600 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $15,955 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($17,250 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $165 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($178 vs. $343).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 27%)

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.