GSU vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Illinois University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

GSU vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or Western 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 Western Illinois University ($12,756 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 3.5% lower than at Governors State University ($11,320 vs. $11,736).
• Western Illinois University is 27.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $3,260 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.2% higher at Western Illinois University than at Governors State University (about $3,260 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Governors State University than at Western Illinois University (81% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 30.9% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($14,994 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 40 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.55 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

GSU vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and Western 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 Western Illinois University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $7,454 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($17,250 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($178 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.