GSU vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GSU vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University ($12,756 vs. $13,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 4.9% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($11,736 vs. $12,341).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 11.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $1,330 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.1% higher at Southern Illinois University than at Governors State University (about $1,330 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at Governors State University (95% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 18.8% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($13,610 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is 80 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSouthern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.76 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

GSU vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $5,250 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($17,250 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($178 vs. $232).
• More Southern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.