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Governors State University vs University of St Francis

Governors State University is a public university in University Park, IL, and University of St Francis is a private university in Joliet, IL. Governors State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 48% of applicants against 65% at University of St Francis. Governors State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,329 a year against $13,006 at University of St Francis. About 66% of students graduate at University of St Francis, compared with 21% at Governors State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of St Francis alumni earn a median of about $63,926, against $58,169 for Governors State University.

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Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public

University of St Francis

Joliet, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
University Park, IL
Joliet, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,556
1,223
Acceptance rate
48%
65%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.24–3.94
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
830–1060
1030–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
20–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,329
$13,006
Full cost / yr
$24,227
$46,239
In-state tuition
$12,004
$38,110
Out-of-state tuition
$12,004
$38,110
Application fee
$25
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,563
$8,547
$30k - $48k
$10,933
$5,584
$48k - $75k
$11,705
$10,749
$75k - $110k
$16,741
$11,311
Over $110k
$22,076
$20,192
Outcomes
Graduation rate
21%
66%
Freshman retention
56%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,435
$56,648
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,169
$63,926
Median debt at graduation
$18,618
$21,079
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
39%
First-generation students
43%
42%
International students
2%
3%
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 University of St Francis harder to get into?
Governors State University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 65% at University of St Francis. 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 University of St Francis?
Governors State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,329 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,006 at University of St Francis. 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 University of St Francis?
Before aid, Governors State University costs about $24,227 a year and University of St Francis about $46,239. 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 University of St Francis?
University of St Francis. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,547 there, against about $9,563 at Governors State 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 University of St Francis?
Governors State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,556 undergraduates against 1,223 at University of St Francis.
Does Governors State University or University of St Francis have a better graduation rate?
University of St Francis has the higher graduation rate, at about 66% against 21% at Governors State University.
Do graduates of Governors State University or University of St Francis earn more?
University of St Francis alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,926 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 University of St Francis require SAT or ACT scores?
Governors State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of St Francis is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Governors State University and University of St Francis look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 830–1060 at Governors State University and 1030–1220 at University of St Francis. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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