GSU vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (16,291 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 Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

GSU vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or WKU? 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 Western Kentucky University than GSU ($12,548 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 6.7% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,736 vs. $12,582).
• Governors State University is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $352 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 124.9% higher at WKU than at Governors State University (about $14,996 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Governors State University (99% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 4.9% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($11,455 vs. $10,921).

GSU vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or WKU? 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 WKU and GSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Governors State University (950) is the same as at WKU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.58 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 30.2% at WKU.

GSU vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and WKU? 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 $5,500 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($17,250 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($178 vs. $250).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 47%)

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.