GSU vs. Bowie State University

Governors State University and Bowie State University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Governors State University
Bowie State University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: GSU (48.3% admitted vs 72.4%). Typical SAT 950 vs 940.
  • Cheaper after aid: GSU. Average net price is $12,756 vs $17,287 at Bowie State University.
  • Earnings 10 years out: GSU $42,600 vs Bowie State University $50,500 (median).
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Key differences

Governors State University Bowie State University
Acceptance rate
GSU more selective
GSU48.3%
Bowie State University72.4%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Bowie State University higher
GSU830-1060
Bowie State University796-1083
Average net price
GSU $4,531 less
GSU$12,756
Bowie State University$17,287
In-state tuition
Bowie State University $2,786 less
GSU$12,004
Bowie State University$9,218
Out-of-state tuition
GSU $7,934 less
GSU$12,004
Bowie State University$19,938
Graduation rate
Bowie State University +41 pts
GSU-
Bowie State University41%
Median earnings (10 years)
Bowie State University +$7,900
GSU$42,600
Bowie State University$50,500

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • GSU 2,944
  • Bowie State University 4,669
  • Admitted
  • GSU 1,421
  • Bowie State University 3,381
  • Acceptance rate
  • GSU 48.3%
  • Bowie State University 72.4%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • GSU 16.8%
  • Bowie State University 27.3%
  • Typical SAT score
  • GSU 950
  • Bowie State University 940
  • Typical ACT score
  • GSU
  • Bowie State University
  • Average high school GPA
  • GSU 4.0
  • Bowie State University 3.12
  • Typical high school grades
  • GSU A/A+
  • Bowie State University B
  • Admissions standards
  • GSU Extremely Easy
  • Bowie State University Extremely Easy
  • Applicant competition
  • GSU Low
  • Bowie State University Low
  • SAT range
  • GSU 830-1060
  • Bowie State University 796-1083
  • ACT range
  • GSU
  • Bowie State University
  • Submit test scores
  • GSU Test optional
  • Bowie State University Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • GSU Apr 1, 2027
  • Bowie State University May 15, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • GSU $12,004
  • Bowie State University $9,218
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • GSU $12,004
  • Bowie State University $19,938
  • Room & board
  • GSU $11,736
  • Bowie State University $12,241
  • Average net price
  • GSU $12,756
  • Bowie State University $17,287
  • Average grant aid
  • GSU $11,455
  • Bowie State University $6,819
  • % receiving grant aid
  • GSU 81%
  • Bowie State University 54%
  • Graduation rate
  • GSU -
  • Bowie State University 41%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • GSU $42,600
  • Bowie State University $50,500
  • Making student loan payments
  • GSU 48%
  • Bowie State University 29%
  • Median student loan debt
  • GSU $17,250
  • Bowie State University $24,391
  • Median loan payment
  • GSU $178
  • Bowie State University $252
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • GSU 11:1
  • Bowie State University 15:1
  • Popular majors
  • GSU
  • Bowie State University
    • Business (23%)
    • Psychology (13%)
    • Social Sciences (13%)
    • Communications Technology (10%)
    • Health Professions (10%)
  • Location
  • GSU University Park, IL
  • Bowie State University Bowie, MD
  • Setting
  • GSU Rural Fringe
  • Bowie State University Large Suburban
  • Total enrollment
  • GSU 4,397
  • Bowie State University 6,353
  • Type
  • GSU Public 4 Year
  • Bowie State University Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • GSU
  • Bowie State University #893

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, IL with Bowie State University in Bowie, MD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Bowie State University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 4,397 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Bowie State University is in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting).
  • Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Bowie State University 15:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 4.1% lower than at Bowie State University ($11,736 vs. $12,241).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 66.1% higher at Bowie State University than at Governors State University (about $7,934 more per year; $19,938 vs. $12,004).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Governors State University than at Bowie State University (81% vs. 54%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 68% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($11,455 vs. $6,819).

Admissions details

  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both GSU and Bowie State University.
  • Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at GSU average a 4.0 high school GPA, 0.88 higher than at Bowie State University (3.12).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 27.3% at Bowie State University.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $7,141 lower median loan debt than Bowie State University graduates ($17,250 vs. $24,391).
  • Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowie State University graduates ($178 vs. $252).
  • More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation (48% vs. 29%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

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