GSU vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, IL with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Norfolk State University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GSU vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or NSU? 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 Norfolk State University than GSU ($9,124 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 1.2% lower than at Governors State University ($11,591 vs. $11,736).
• Governors State University is 17.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $1,824 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.6% higher at NSU than at Governors State University (about $9,678 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Governors State University than at Norfolk State University (81% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 31.4% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($15,056 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU or NSU? 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 NSU and GSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Governors State University (950) is 20 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 1.1 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 13.2% at NSU.

GSU vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and NSU? 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 Governors State University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $13,750 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($17,250 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $142 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($178 vs. $320).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 27%)

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.