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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.
Governors State University is a public four-year college located in University Park, IL. This educational institution operates on a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 48%. The freshman retention rate at Governors State University is 55.1% and the six-year graduation rate is 22%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is April 1. Learn more about what Governors State University has to offer based on the most recent data this institution has reported.
Quick Facts
2,573
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
10:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
22%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you find out as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission, your chances of getting accepted will significantly improve. Here are the most vital data you should know about admission at Governors State University.
According to the newest information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 1,421 in 2025. Governors State University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores in cases when they are submitted by the candidate.
Test Scores
2% 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. The percent of incoming freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 12-17 was 100.
The latest reported average GPA of the enrolled students was 3.49. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into Governors State University.
Deadlines
The final day for applications to this school is April 1.
Retention Rate
The percentage of freshmen at a college or university who stay on for their second year is known as the freshman retention rate. That information can tell you if the majority of new students liked their first year enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for Governors State University was 55.1% in 2025.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. This rate shows how many students complete their degrees in a certain number of years. This academic institution has the six-year graduation rate of 22%.
Student Body
Deciding if a school is the right fit for you is not an easy task. Knowing more about the student population can help you get a better idea of the school's culture and life.
Main Student Body
In 2025, the institution enrolled 4,399 students.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 2% for that year. There was a total of 2,573 students working towards bachelor's degrees, including 55 international students. The number of transfer students at this school was 1,109.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 1,083 male and 1,665 female full-time students in 2025.
Student Population Diversity
Higher Education is dedicated to increasing student diversity and enhancing students' feelings of inclusion and belonging. An inclusive student body brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
This school had 53 Asian students and 1,032 Afro-American students in 2025. 510 undergraduates at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 105 identified with more than one race. The school also had 1 student who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 4 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 72 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Financial planning for school is one of the most important things to think about before you apply. The latest information on the expenses that most students at this school incur are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at Governors State University? Here is what you need to know.
Tuition fees for area resident were $10,290, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. Tuition fees were $10,290 for students coming from out of state. If you are an international student at Governors State University, you should know that the 2025 tuition amounted to $20,580. Full-time students in 2025 had to pay additional fees in the amount of $4,216.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $10,290 | $4,216 | $14,506 |
| In-State | $10,290 | $4,216 | $14,506 |
Books and Supplies
The estimated price of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into account as another significant expense. The approximate price of books and supplies for a full-time student of this school is $1,000.
Boarding
Before you apply to a college or university, you should, among other things, think about the price of a dorm room and cafeteria meals. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for room and board?
At Governors State University, the 2025 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $11,736. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school totaled $8,736, according to the data from 2025.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 10,290 |
| Room and Board | $ 11,736 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,000 |
| Total Expense | $ 23,026 |
Financial Aid
There are different types of financial support: grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. If you wish to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Governors State University, here are some recent data you should consider.
According to the most recent data, 192 freshmen were awarded financial aid. Students of this school received an average of $23,303 in financial help.
Need-based
Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like — it’s awarded based on the determined financial need.
There were 861 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 overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need amounted to 912. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution was $8,364,300, and state $13,089,740.
$4,700
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 262 students overall (including freshmen) at Governors State University in 2025. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 90 full-time freshmen. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $8,364,300 while the state aid is $94,110. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $686,364. 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 $247,910 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.
Majors
Faculty
10:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty or student-to-professor ratio represents the number of students compared to the number of professors at a school.
In 2025, this ratio at Governors State University was 10:1. That means that there were 10 times more students than teachers at this school. This school has recently reported to have 505 faculty members. Out of that number, there were 185 men and 320 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. Find out some details about social life at Governors State University.
It has a campus size of 742 acres.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are run by students of an institution, and its membership usually consists exclusively of current students and/or alumni.
Sororities and fraternities are included in that number.
Student Services
Governors State University offers a number of services needed for a pleasant and safe life on campus.
There are emergency phone and alarm devices available around the clock. Dormitory entrances at the school are electronically operated. There is a security patrol that operates 24 hours a day. Theer is a nighttime transportation/escort service.
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 everything most students need.
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. The school has 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 has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Governors State University is 48%.
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According to the latest information, the freshman retention rate for Governors State University is 55.1%.
Contact Information
Governors State University
1 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.
