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School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs Governors State University

School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private institute in Chicago, IL, and Governors State University is a public university in University Park, IL. Governors State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 48% of applicants against 77% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Governors State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,329 a year against $49,790 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. About 65% of students graduate at School of the Art Institute of Chicago, compared with 21% at Governors State University. Ten years after enrolling, Governors State University alumni earn a median of about $58,169, against $40,151 for School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
University Park, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,805
2,556
Acceptance rate
77%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.24–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1048–1260
830–1060
ACT (middle 50%)
22–25
16–22
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,790
$12,329
Full cost / yr
$75,625
$24,227
In-state tuition
$56,420
$12,004
Out-of-state tuition
$56,420
$12,004
Application fee
$65
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$43,798
$9,563
$30k - $48k
$39,845
$10,933
$48k - $75k
$46,708
$11,705
$75k - $110k
$49,595
$16,741
Over $110k
$55,790
$22,076
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
21%
Freshman retention
84%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,742
$45,435
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,151
$58,169
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$18,618
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
54%
First-generation students
21%
43%
International students
28%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Apr 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Governors State University harder to get into?
Governors State University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 77% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Governors State University?
Governors State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,329 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $49,790 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Governors State University?
Before aid, Governors State University costs about $24,227 a year and School of the Art Institute of Chicago about $75,625. 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, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Governors State University?
Governors State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,563 there, against about $43,798 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Governors State University?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is the larger of the two, with about 2,805 undergraduates against 2,556 at Governors State University.
Does School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Governors State University have a better graduation rate?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 21% at Governors State University.
Do graduates of School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Governors State University earn more?
Governors State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,169 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,151 for School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Governors State University require SAT or ACT scores?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Governors State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Governors State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1048–1260 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago and 830–1060 at Governors State 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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