Governors State University vs Western Illinois University
Governors State University is a public university in University Park, IL, and Western Illinois University is a public university in Macomb, IL. Governors State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 48% of applicants against 71% at Western Illinois University. Governors State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,329 a year against $12,937 at Western Illinois University. About 45% of students graduate at Western Illinois University, compared with 21% at Governors State University. Ten years after enrolling, Governors State University alumni earn a median of about $58,169, against $54,163 for Western Illinois University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
University Park, IL
Macomb, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,556
4,410
Acceptance rate
48%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.24–3.94
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
830–1060
880–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,329
$12,937
Full cost / yr
$24,227
$28,254
In-state tuition
$12,004
$15,264
Out-of-state tuition
$12,004
$15,264
Application fee
$25
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,563
$6,941
$30k - $48k
$10,933
$8,787
$48k - $75k
$11,705
$12,062
$75k - $110k
$16,741
$16,294
Over $110k
$22,076
$19,701
Outcomes
Graduation rate
21%
45%
Freshman retention
56%
61%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,435
$43,057
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,169
$54,163
Median debt at graduation
$18,618
$25,251
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
28%
First-generation students
43%
38%
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.
- Is Governors State University or Western Illinois University harder to get into?
- Governors State University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 71% at Western 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 Western Illinois University?
- Governors State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,329 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $12,937 at Western 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 Western Illinois University?
- Before aid, Governors State University costs about $24,227 a year and Western Illinois University about $28,254. 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 Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,941 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 Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 4,410 undergraduates against 2,556 at Governors State University.
- Does Governors State University or Western Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Illinois University has the higher graduation rate, at about 45% against 21% at Governors State University.
- Do graduates of Governors State University or Western Illinois University earn more?
- Governors State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,169 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,163 for Western Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Governors State University and Western Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Governors State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Illinois University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Governors State University and Western Illinois University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 830–1060 at Governors State University and 880–1090 at Western Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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