GSU vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, IL with Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tennessee State University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

GSU vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Tennessee 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 Tennessee State University ($12,756 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 5% lower than at Governors State University ($11,150 vs. $11,736).
• Governors State University is 39.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $3,388 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 86.7% higher at Tennessee State University than at Governors State University (about $10,412 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Governors State University than at Tennessee State University (81% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 18.6% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($11,455 vs. $9,661).

GSU vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 20 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsTennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.78 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

GSU vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Tennessee 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 $4,200 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $10,750 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($17,250 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $111 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($178 vs. $289).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 29%)

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.