Skip to content

Governors State University vs Knox College

Governors State University is a public university in University Park, IL. Knox College is a private college in Galesburg, IL. Governors State University admits about 48% of applicants and Knox College about 71%, making Governors State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,329 a year at Governors State University after aid, and about $24,595 at Knox College. About 68% of students graduate at Knox College, compared with 21% at Governors State University. Ten years after enrolling, Governors State University alumni earn a median of about $58,169, against $54,820 for Knox College.

Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public

Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
University Park, IL
Galesburg, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,556
1,127
Acceptance rate
48%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.24–3.94
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
830–1060
1180–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
21–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,329
$24,595
Full cost / yr
$24,227
$68,134
In-state tuition
$12,004
$57,903
Out-of-state tuition
$12,004
$57,903
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,563
$17,134
$30k - $48k
$10,933
$17,363
$48k - $75k
$11,705
$23,844
$75k - $110k
$16,741
$25,402
Over $110k
$22,076
$31,983
Outcomes
Graduation rate
21%
68%
Freshman retention
56%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,435
$37,757
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,169
$54,820
Median debt at graduation
$18,618
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
31%
First-generation students
43%
28%
International students
2%
27%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Apr 1
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 Governors State University or Knox College harder to get into?
Governors State University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 71% at Knox College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Governors State University or Knox College?
Governors State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,329 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,595 at Knox College. 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 Governors State University and Knox College?
Before aid, Governors State University costs about $24,227 a year and Knox College about $68,134. 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, Governors State University or Knox College?
Governors State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,563 there, against about $17,134 at Knox College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Governors State University or Knox College?
Governors State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,556 undergraduates against 1,127 at Knox College.
Does Governors State University or Knox College have a better graduation rate?
Knox College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 21% at Governors State University.
Do graduates of Governors State University or Knox College earn more?
Governors State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,169 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,820 for Knox College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Governors State University and Knox College require SAT or ACT scores?
Governors State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Knox College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Governors State University and Knox College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 830–1060 at Governors State University and 1180–1440 at Knox College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school