GSU vs. Southern University and A & M College

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, IL with Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern University and A & M College is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (7,452 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 University and A & M College is in Baton Rouge, LA (Midsize City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern University and A & M College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Southern University and A & M College 21:1.

GSU vs. Southern University and A & M College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Southern University and A & M College? 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 University and A & M College ($12,756 vs. $18,353).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern University and A & M College are 31.7% lower than at Governors State University ($8,018 vs. $11,736).
• Governors State University is 21% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern University and A & M College (about $2,082 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $9,922.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.9% higher at Southern University and A & M College than at Governors State University (about $5,268 more per year; $17,272.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern University and A & M College than at Governors State University (90% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 44.2% larger than aid received by Southern University and A & M College students ($11,455 vs. $7,945).

GSU vs. Southern University and A & M College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or Southern University and A & M College? 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 University and A & M College and GSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Governors State University (950) is 40 points higher than at Southern University and A & M College (910).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Southern University and A & M College 790/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSouthern University and A & M College 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Southern University and A & M College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; Southern University and A & M College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.9 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Southern University and A & M College (3.1).
• GSU has a higher acceptance rate (48.3%) than Southern University and A & M College (35.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 20.1% at Southern University and A & M College.

GSU vs. Southern University and A & M College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Southern University and A & M College? 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 $4,600 more per year than Southern University and A & M College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $13,500 lower median loan debt than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($17,250 vs. $30,750).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $139 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($178 vs. $317).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern University and A & M College students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 25%)

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.