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Governors State University
University Park, IL
Governors State University (GSU) is a public university located in University Park, Illinois, about 35 miles south of downtown Chicago. Established in 1969, GSU is known for its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student population. The university offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields of study, including business, education, healthcare, liberal arts, and social sciences.
One of the unique aspects of GSU is its urban and rural studies program, which emphasizes the interconnection between urban and rural communities. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by both urban and rural areas, leading to a deeper understanding of issues such as economic development, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
GSU is also recognized for its strong community engagement and commitment to service. The university has established several partnerships with local organizations and businesses, providing students with opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and community service projects. Additionally, GSU hosts various events, lectures, and workshops that promote dialogue and critical thinking on important social, cultural, and economic issues.
Overall, Governors State University is a vibrant institution that values inclusivity, academic excellence, and civic engagement. With its diverse range of academic programs, strong community partnerships, and commitment to social responsibility, GSU strives to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Located in University Park, IL and set in a suburban environment, Governors State University is a public four-year college. This academic institution uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 47%. The freshman retention rate at Governors State University is 58.54% and the six-year graduation rate is 17%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is April 1. Explore this school's profile to find out the most important things about Governors State University.
Quick Facts
2,536
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
47%
Acceptance Rate
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
17%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you learn as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission, your chances of getting accepted will greatly increase. Read on to find out some relevant data about admission policy and requirements at Governors State University.
According to the newest data, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 1,165 in 2024. Governors State University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores for the applicants who choose to submit them. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
1% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 1% submitted ACT scores, out of the total number of those who submitted test scores. 50% of the enrolled students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,000 and 1,199 and 50% between 800 and 999. The percent of first-year students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 18-23 was 100.
Deadlines
The application deadline for Governors State University is April 1.
47%
Acceptance Rate
Retention Rate
The student retention rate is the percentage of students who re-enroll from one year to the next. Why is that metric important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.
As reported in 2024, the freshman retention rate for Governors State University was 58.54%.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It reflects the proportion of students who obtain their degrees within the expected timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this institution stands at 17%.
Student Body
Picking a school that is the right fit for you is not a simple task. You can get a better insight into a school's culture and life by learning more about its student body.
Main Student Body
In 2024, the school enrolled 4,338 students.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 2% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution was 2,536, 60 of which were foreign students. The number of transfer students at this school was 1,110.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 1,097 male and 1,565 female full-time students in 2024. 432 full-time graduate men and 532 full-time graduate women attended this school.
Student Population Diversity
The importance of student diversity cannnot be denied, when it comes to the overall feeling of inclusion and beloning among the students of any school. A diverse student body brings together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Discover more about the many ethnic communities that go to this school.
This school had 56 Asian students and 1,027 Afro-American students in 2024. 500 undergraduate students at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 95 as multirace. The school also had 1 student who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 3 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 67 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
The financial aspect is one of the most important things to think about before applying to any college or university. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some numbers that can help you better understand the estimated tuition price for this university.
If you are an area resident, your tuition was $9,840. For out-of-state students, tuition fees amounted to $19,680. For international students, tuition fees at this school amounted to $19,680, as well. Fees per academic year required of full-time students reached $960 in 2024.
| Tuition | Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $19,680 | $960 | $20,640 |
| In-State | $9,840 | $960 | $10,800 |
| Tuition | $ 9,840 |
| Total Expense | $ 9,840 |
Financial Aid
Be it a grant, loan, scholarship, or work-study program, any type of financial help can be a great deal for most students. If you want to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Governors State University, here are some recent data you should take into consideration.
According to the most recent data, 150 freshmen were awarded financial aid. Students of this school received an average of $14,025 in financial help.
Need-based
Need-based aid is financial aid that a student can receive if they are determened to have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria.
There were 581 students who obtained need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Governors State University is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was estimated to be 652. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution stood at $12,224,505, and state $17,483,251. The students of Governors State University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $1,645,269, and external in the amount of $500.
$404
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 229 students overall (including freshmen) at Governors State University in 2024. Institutional grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 94 full-time freshman. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $12,224,505 while the state aid is $43,000. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $1,157,077. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $373,925 USD.
Open Applications
Find open programs by choosing your preferred academic interest from the list below, and select your desired term start. Get started with your application process and find more information using the Apply button.
The Common Application for Transfer (Common App for transfer)
Majors
Faculty
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty or student-to-professor ratio is the number of students compared to the number of professors at a school.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Governors State University was 11:1: that means 11 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. The faculty of this school consists of 524 members, according to the most recent data reported. This number included 195 men and 326 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at Governors State University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Check out some details about campus life at Governors State University.
Its campus spans 742 acres.
Student Organizations
Being a member of a student organization will make you connect better with your fellow students and enjoy your college years more.
The number of student organizations and groups with open membership at this school is 79. For students looking to explore media and communication, Governors State University publishes its own newspaper.
Student Services
At Governors State University, there are many amenities required for a comfortable and safe life on campus.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. The after-hours transportation/escort service is available.
There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services and Veteran's Affairs are available to the students of Governors State University.
All in all, campus life at Governors State University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Governors State University.
Career Counselling
At Governors State University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
FAQ
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Governors State University is located in University Park, IL.
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Governors State University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for Governors State University is 47%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Governors State University is 58.54%.
Contact Information
Governors State University,
One University Parkway
University Park, IL
60484
708 534-5000
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.