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Elmhurst University vs Governors State University

Elmhurst University is a private university in Elmhurst, 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 74% at Elmhurst University. Governors State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,329 a year against $24,185 at Elmhurst University. About 68% of students graduate at Elmhurst University, compared with 21% at Governors State University. Ten years after enrolling, Elmhurst University alumni earn a median of about $61,462, against $58,169 for Governors State University.

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · Private

Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Elmhurst, IL
University Park, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,006
2,556
Acceptance rate
74%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.42–3.92
3.24–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1260
830–1060
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,185
$12,329
Full cost / yr
$54,679
$24,227
In-state tuition
$42,955
$12,004
Out-of-state tuition
$42,955
$12,004
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,892
$9,563
$30k - $48k
$18,377
$10,933
$48k - $75k
$23,098
$11,705
$75k - $110k
$25,419
$16,741
Over $110k
$30,232
$22,076
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
21%
Freshman retention
80%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,803
$45,435
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,462
$58,169
Median debt at graduation
$20,489
$18,618
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
54%
First-generation students
35%
43%
International students
4%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Elmhurst 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 74% at Elmhurst 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, Elmhurst 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 $24,185 at Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst University and Governors State University?
Before aid, Governors State University costs about $24,227 a year and Elmhurst University about $54,679. 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, Elmhurst University or Governors State University?
Governors State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,563 there, against about $17,892 at Elmhurst University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Elmhurst University or Governors State University?
Elmhurst University is the larger of the two, with about 3,006 undergraduates against 2,556 at Governors State University.
Does Elmhurst University or Governors State University have a better graduation rate?
Elmhurst University has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 21% at Governors State University.
Do graduates of Elmhurst University or Governors State University earn more?
Elmhurst University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,462 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,169 for Governors State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Elmhurst University and Governors State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst University and Governors State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 990–1260 at Elmhurst University and 830–1060 at Governors State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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