GSU vs. Southeast Missouri State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, IL with Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southeast Missouri State University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (9,501 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Southeast Missouri State University is in Cape Girardeau, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southeast Missouri State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Southeast Missouri State University 20:1.

GSU vs. Southeast Missouri State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri State University ($12,756 vs. $16,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 3.8% lower than at Southeast Missouri State University ($11,736 vs. $12,198).
• Governors State University is 21.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southeast Missouri State University (about $2,101 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.2% higher at GSU than at Southeast Missouri State University (about $2,101 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southeast Missouri State University than at Governors State University (94% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 34.6% larger than aid received by Southeast Missouri State University students ($11,455 vs. $8,512).

GSU vs. Southeast Missouri State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Governors State University (950) is 10 points higher than at Southeast Missouri State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Southeast Missouri State University 850/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSoutheast Missouri State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Southeast Missouri State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; Southeast Missouri State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Southeast Missouri State University (3.53).
• Southeast Missouri State University has a higher acceptance rate (73.5%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 17.9% at Southeast Missouri State University.

GSU vs. Southeast Missouri State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Southeast Missouri 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 $2,100 more per year than Southeast Missouri State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $5,277 lower median loan debt than Southeast Missouri State University graduates ($17,250 vs. $22,527).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southeast Missouri State University graduates ($178 vs. $232).
• More Southeast Missouri State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.