Skip to content

Governors State University vs Wheaton College

Governors State University is a public university in University Park, IL. Wheaton College is a private college in Wheaton, IL. Governors State University admits about 48% of applicants and Wheaton College about 87%, 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 $26,975 at Wheaton College. About 86% of students graduate at Wheaton College, compared with 21% at Governors State University. Ten years after enrolling, Wheaton College alumni earn a median of about $63,756, against $58,169 for Governors State University.

Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
University Park, IL
Wheaton, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,556
2,121
Acceptance rate
48%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.24–3.94
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
830–1060
1260–1470
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,329
$26,975
Full cost / yr
$24,227
$59,263
In-state tuition
$12,004
$45,546
Out-of-state tuition
$12,004
$45,546
Application fee
$25
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,563
$20,001
$30k - $48k
$10,933
$18,587
$48k - $75k
$11,705
$20,553
$75k - $110k
$16,741
$24,176
Over $110k
$22,076
$33,435
Outcomes
Graduation rate
21%
86%
Freshman retention
56%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,435
$50,270
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,169
$63,756
Median debt at graduation
$18,618
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
22%
First-generation students
43%
Not reported
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Oct 15
Regular decision
Apr 1
Feb 15

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 Wheaton College harder to get into?
Governors State University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 87% at Wheaton 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 Wheaton College?
Governors State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,329 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,975 at Wheaton 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 Wheaton College?
Before aid, Governors State University costs about $24,227 a year and Wheaton College about $59,263. 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 Wheaton College?
Governors State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,563 there, against about $20,001 at Wheaton 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 Wheaton College?
Governors State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,556 undergraduates against 2,121 at Wheaton College.
Does Governors State University or Wheaton College have a better graduation rate?
Wheaton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 21% at Governors State University.
Do graduates of Governors State University or Wheaton College earn more?
Wheaton College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,756 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 Wheaton College require SAT or ACT scores?
Governors State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wheaton College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Governors State University and Wheaton College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 830–1060 at Governors State University and 1260–1470 at Wheaton 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