Governors State University is a public 4-year college in University Park, Illinois with 2,556 undergraduates. It admits 48% of applicants, costs an average of $15,833 a year after grants and graduates 23% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Governors State University acceptance rate and admissions
Governors State University admitted 48% of applicants for fall 2024, about 1 in 2. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
Governors State University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early action | Nov 15, 2026 |
| Rolling admission | Applications reviewed as they arrive |
Next deadline: Early action, Nov 15, 2026. Application fee through the Common App: free for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Governors State University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Governors State University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $13,124 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $12,129 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $28,740 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $15,833 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $15,833 a year after grants and scholarships, $12,907 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Governors State University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Governors State University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 23% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $61,863 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $18,750 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 30% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Governors State University majors and what graduates earn
Governors State University awarded bachelor's degrees in 27 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from nursing ($88,391).
All 27 majors at Governors State University
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | 21 | $95,568 | $88,391 | n/a |
| Computer science | 31 | $49,243 | $79,154 | $16,195 |
| Computer and information sciences | 30 | $48,532 | $70,895 | $14,500 |
| Accounting | 37 | $48,795 | $61,223 | $17,793 |
| Business administration | 73 | $49,166 | $59,562 | $20,500 |
| Speech-language pathology | 12 | n/a | $58,455 | n/a |
| Social work | 24 | n/a | $56,123 | n/a |
| Criminal justice | 36 | $43,044 | $55,811 | $23,500 |
| Health administration | 14 | $54,994 | $53,227 | $25,000 |
| Public health | 21 | $37,901 | $51,027 | $21,500 |
| Liberal arts and general studies | 79 | $45,710 | $50,703 | $21,932 |
| English | 13 | $32,618 | $50,426 | n/a |
| Communication | 12 | $42,180 | $47,475 | n/a |
| Psychology | 76 | $41,016 | $47,048 | $14,375 |
| Teacher education by grade level | 39 | $44,818 | $46,895 | $18,750 |
| Biology | 20 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Political science | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Social Sciences, General | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Theater | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Fine and studio arts | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Chemistry | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Economics | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| History | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Governors State University
34 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 34 graduate programs
Students and location
- 2,556 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 63% women, 37% men
- 11 students for every faculty member
- Setting: large suburb
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Governors State University?
Governors State University admitted 48% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Governors State University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $13,124 for in-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $15,833 a year in 2024-25.
Is Governors State University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Governors State University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Governors State University?
23% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Governors State University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $61,863 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Illinois · Governors State University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.