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Governors State University vs North Central College

Governors State University is a public university in University Park, IL, and North Central College is a private college in Naperville, IL. Governors State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 48% of applicants against 77% at North Central College. Governors State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,329 a year against $21,044 at North Central College. About 68% of students graduate at North Central College, compared with 21% at Governors State University. Ten years after enrolling, North Central College alumni earn a median of about $60,123, against $58,169 for Governors State University.

Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
University Park, IL
Naperville, IL
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,556
2,428
Acceptance rate
48%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.24–3.94
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
830–1060
1055–1310
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,329
$21,044
Full cost / yr
$24,227
$57,219
In-state tuition
$12,004
$45,726
Out-of-state tuition
$12,004
$45,726
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,563
$12,507
$30k - $48k
$10,933
$13,486
$48k - $75k
$11,705
$16,362
$75k - $110k
$16,741
$20,590
Over $110k
$22,076
$26,961
Outcomes
Graduation rate
21%
68%
Freshman retention
56%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,435
$51,762
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,169
$60,123
Median debt at graduation
$18,618
$24,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
24%
First-generation students
43%
27%
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Apr 1
Rolling

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 North Central College harder to get into?
Governors State University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 77% at North Central 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 North Central College?
Governors State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,329 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,044 at North Central 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 North Central College?
Before aid, Governors State University costs about $24,227 a year and North Central College about $57,219. 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 North Central College?
Governors State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,563 there, against about $12,507 at North Central 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 North Central College?
Governors State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,556 undergraduates against 2,428 at North Central College.
Does Governors State University or North Central College have a better graduation rate?
North Central College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 21% at Governors State University.
Do graduates of Governors State University or North Central College earn more?
North Central College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,123 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,169 for Governors State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Governors State University and North Central College require SAT or ACT scores?
Governors State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. North Central College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Governors State University and North Central College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 830–1060 at Governors State University and 1055–1310 at North Central College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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