Governors State University
GSU
University Park, Illinois 60484
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
Campus Vibe
Known for business — excellent value
Governors State University is a public institution in University Park with particular strength in business and psychology.
A mid-sized campus of 2.5K undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
20% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $58,169 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $9,477.
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Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
60.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
-7.9%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,000
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
18
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (72)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
59%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Jaguars
History & Fun Facts
- •History Governors State University was established as a state-supported, upper-division institution of education on July 17, 1969, when Illinois Governor Richard B.
- •Originally scheduled to open to students in September 1973, the four-year planning period was reduced to two years and GSU received its first class of 500 students in September 1971.
- •The first doctoral program was created in 2007 as a professional doctoral degree in physical therapy.
- •In 2014, the state approved the university to expand curriculum for freshmen and sophomores.
- •Along with welcoming freshmen and sophomores to campus, the university opened its first on-campus residence hall, known as Prairie Place.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from IL state average + suburban adjustment
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
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Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
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