Your chances of getting into Governors State University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at GSU is 57.5%. Its admission rate is the 10th lowest in Illinois.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into GSU and can you get accepted?
GSU is a more competitive school to get into. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 1,072 out of the 1,865 who applied were admitted.
Governors State University typically accepts and attracts "A/A+" average high school students with an average GPA around 4.0. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 29% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into GSU?
57% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Governors State University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 4.0 or better
- Earn A/A+ grades in high school
- Score 950 on the SAT
- Graduate in the top half of your high school class
GSU GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Governors State University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into GSU are to have around a 4.0 high school GPA. You are required to have exceptionally good grades and you should be graduating near the top of your class.
If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as GSU accepts 57% of students who apply.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at GSU is 4.0 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A/A+ letter grades and regularly score around 97-100 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #1 in Illinois for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since GSU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 4.0 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
GSU SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Governors State University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 4% of students submitted SAT scores and 1% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 420 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 410 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 830 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 540 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 520 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1060 |
| Average SAT Score | 950
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Governors State University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at GSU is 950 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 830-1060. Students who get into Governors State University score in the top 87 percent of all SAT test takers.. GSU ranks #49 in the state of Illinois for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 950 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. GSU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 830 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 830, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 710, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Governors State University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 950 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 945, you have around a 57% chance of being admitted. A 1060 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 72% chance of getting in.
GSU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 25th Percentile | N/A |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Average ACT Score | N/A |
High School Class Rank
61% of Governors State University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 29% are in the top quarter.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 10% |
| Top 25% of class | 29% |
| Top 50% of class | 61% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 1,064 | 801 | 1,865 |
| Accepted | 632 | 440 | 1,072 |
| Acceptance Rate | 59% | 55% | 57% |
| Enrolled | 177 | 139 | 316 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 28% | 32% | 29% |
Fall 2025 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 97 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Apr 1, 2025.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Governors State University is $25.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Governors State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required to be considered for admission |
| Recommendations | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | |
| Dual Credit | |
| Credit for Life Experiences |
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=145336 IPEDS survey data for Governors State University.
Last updated February 24, 2024