GSU vs. William Penn University

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, IL with William Penn University in Oskaloosa, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Governors State University is larger than William Penn University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 1,425 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); William Penn University is in Oskaloosa, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. William Penn University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; William Penn University 15:1.

GSU vs. William Penn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or William Penn 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 William Penn University ($12,756 vs. $22,740).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Penn University are 29.9% lower than at Governors State University ($8,222 vs. $11,736).
• William Penn University is 147.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $17,746 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 147.8% higher at William Penn University than at Governors State University (about $17,746 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Penn University than at Governors State University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by William Penn University students is 76.3% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($20,194 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. William Penn University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or William Penn 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 William Penn University and GSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at William Penn University (1000) is 50 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; William Penn University 880/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWilliam Penn University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; William Penn University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 1 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at William Penn University (3.0).
• William Penn University has a higher acceptance rate (51.9%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 41.9% at William Penn University.

GSU vs. William Penn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and William Penn 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 William Penn University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $6,750 lower median loan debt than William Penn University graduates ($17,250 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than William Penn University graduates ($178 vs. $248).
• More William Penn University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.