GSU vs. UIU

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, IL with Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Governors State University is larger than UIU based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 3,941 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Upper Iowa University is in Fayette, IA (Remote Rural setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Upper Iowa University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Upper Iowa University 25:1.

GSU vs. UIU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU or UIU? 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 Governors State University than UIU ($12,756 vs. $20,426).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Upper Iowa University are 13.8% lower than at Governors State University ($10,121 vs. $11,736).
• Upper Iowa University is 62.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $7,471 more per year; $19,475.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.2% higher at UIU than at Governors State University (about $7,471 more per year; $19,475.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Upper Iowa University than at Governors State University (97% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Upper Iowa University students is 18.7% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($13,596 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. UIU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Upper Iowa University (1070) is 120 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Upper Iowa University 970/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUpper Iowa University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; UIU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.66 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at UIU (3.34).
• UIU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 33.9% at UIU.

GSU vs. UIU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU and UIU? 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 $500 more per year than UIU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $42,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $6,750 lower median loan debt than UIU graduates ($17,250 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UIU graduates ($178 vs. $248).
• More UIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 48%)

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.