Eastern Illinois University vs Governors State University
Eastern Illinois University is a public university in Charleston, IL, and Governors State University is a public university in University Park, IL. Governors State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 48% of applicants against 65% at Eastern Illinois University. Governors State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,329 a year against $12,786 at Eastern Illinois University. About 46% of students graduate at Eastern Illinois University, compared with 21% at Governors State University. Ten years after enrolling, Governors State University alumni earn a median of about $58,169, against $51,989 for Eastern Illinois University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Charleston, IL
University Park, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,188
2,556
Acceptance rate
65%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.33–3.83
3.24–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1090
830–1060
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,786
$12,329
Full cost / yr
$26,996
$24,227
In-state tuition
$13,679
$12,004
Out-of-state tuition
$16,217
$12,004
Application fee
Not reported
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,828
$9,563
$30k - $48k
$8,619
$10,933
$48k - $75k
$11,412
$11,705
$75k - $110k
$15,665
$16,741
Over $110k
$21,027
$22,076
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
21%
Freshman retention
72%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,694
$45,435
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,989
$58,169
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$18,618
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
54%
First-generation students
34%
43%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 12
Apr 1
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Eastern Illinois University or Governors State University harder to get into?
- Governors State University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 65% at Eastern Illinois University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Eastern Illinois University or Governors State University?
- Governors State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,329 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $12,786 at Eastern Illinois University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Eastern Illinois University and Governors State University?
- Before aid, Governors State University costs about $24,227 a year and Eastern Illinois University about $26,996. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Eastern Illinois University or Governors State University?
- Governors State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,563 there, against about $9,828 at Eastern Illinois University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Eastern Illinois University or Governors State University?
- Eastern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 4,188 undergraduates against 2,556 at Governors State University.
- Does Eastern Illinois University or Governors State University have a better graduation rate?
- Eastern Illinois University has the higher graduation rate, at about 46% against 21% at Governors State University.
- Do graduates of Eastern Illinois University or Governors State University earn more?
- Governors State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,169 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,989 for Eastern Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Eastern Illinois University and Governors State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Eastern Illinois University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Governors State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Eastern Illinois University and Governors State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1090 at Eastern Illinois University and 830–1060 at Governors State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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