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Governors State University vs Northeastern Illinois University

Governors State University is a public university in University Park, IL, and Northeastern Illinois University is a public university in Chicago, IL. Governors State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 48% of applicants against 75% at Northeastern Illinois University. Governors State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,329 a year against $14,109 at Northeastern Illinois University. About 21% of students graduate at Governors State University, compared with 18% at Northeastern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, Governors State University alumni earn a median of about $58,169, against $52,234 for Northeastern Illinois University.

Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
University Park, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,556
3,982
Acceptance rate
48%
75%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.24–3.94
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
830–1060
810–1010
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
15–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,329
$14,109
Full cost / yr
$24,227
$26,960
In-state tuition
$12,004
$12,383
Out-of-state tuition
$12,004
$22,726
Application fee
$25
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,563
$13,709
$30k - $48k
$10,933
$12,824
$48k - $75k
$11,705
$15,077
$75k - $110k
$16,741
$20,464
Over $110k
$22,076
$25,001
Outcomes
Graduation rate
21%
18%
Freshman retention
56%
52%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,435
$43,801
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,169
$52,234
Median debt at graduation
$18,618
$14,600
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
56%
First-generation students
43%
51%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Apr 1
Aug 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 Northeastern Illinois University harder to get into?
Governors State University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 75% at Northeastern 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, Governors State University or Northeastern Illinois University?
Governors State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,329 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,109 at Northeastern 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 Governors State University and Northeastern Illinois University?
Before aid, Governors State University costs about $24,227 a year and Northeastern Illinois University about $26,960. 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 Northeastern Illinois University?
Governors State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,563 there, against about $13,709 at Northeastern Illinois University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Governors State University or Northeastern Illinois University?
Northeastern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 3,982 undergraduates against 2,556 at Governors State University.
Does Governors State University or Northeastern Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
Governors State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 21% against 18% at Northeastern Illinois University.
Do graduates of Governors State University or Northeastern Illinois University earn more?
Governors State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,169 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,234 for Northeastern Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Governors State University and Northeastern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
Governors State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northeastern Illinois University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Governors State University and Northeastern Illinois University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 830–1060 at Governors State University and 810–1010 at Northeastern Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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