Students at Governors State University benefit from exceptional affordability and earn more than expected given their backgrounds, making it a strong value proposition for cost-conscious families.
The university provides crucial access to higher education for first-generation, transfer, and working adult students while delivering solid long-term financial outcomes.
Governors State University stands out as an institution designed around accessibility and affordability rather than selectivity. Located in University Park, Illinois, this medium-sized public university serves a distinctive student population: over half receive Pell Grants, 43% are first-generation college students, and nearly 30% transfer in from other institutions. While Azimuth ranks GSU in the middle tier nationally for overall value, the university's mission centers on providing educational opportunities to students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.
What makes GSU unique is its role as a completion-focused institution. The university's 6-year graduation rate of 20% reflects the challenges faced by its student population, many of whom are working adults, parents, or students balancing multiple responsibilities. However, for students who do complete their degrees, GSU delivers solid long-term earnings outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $58,169 ten years after enrollment.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in Azimuth's mobility framework, GSU provides broad access to higher education while working within resource constraints. The university represents an important pathway for students seeking affordable degree completion, particularly those who have faced barriers to traditional four-year college attendance.
Governors State University's program portfolio reflects its mission of serving working adults and career-focused students across practical fields of study. Adult Health Nursing stands out with the highest earnings at $81,491, demonstrating the university's strength in healthcare education and the strong regional demand for nursing professionals. Business Administration and Management represents the highest aggregate return program, combining solid enrollment of 100 graduates with respectable earnings of $40,855, making it a key economic driver for the institution.
General Studies, the largest program with 108 graduates, serves the university's role as a degree-completion destination for transfer students and working adults who need flexible academic pathways. While earnings of $32,498 are modest, this program provides essential access for students who might not otherwise complete their degrees. Psychology, with 96 graduates earning around $27,126, reflects the university's commitment to serving students interested in human services and social work fields.
The program mix emphasizes practical, career-oriented fields that prepare students for stable employment in the Chicago metropolitan region. Healthcare programs like nursing provide the strongest earning potential, while business and general studies programs serve the university's broader access mission. This portfolio aligns with GSU's role as a completion-focused institution that prioritizes affordability and accessibility over prestige or highly selective programs.
Graduates of Governors State University achieve solid long-term financial outcomes despite the institution's focus on access over selectivity. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $58,169, placing the university around the national average for earnings outcomes. More notably, GSU graduates earn significantly more than expected given the institution's student profile, with earnings beyond expectations of about $20,336 compared with similar students at other institutions.
Program outcomes vary considerably across fields of study. Adult Health Nursing leads in earnings potential, with graduates earning around $81,491 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals. Business Administration and Management, the program with the highest aggregate return, graduates 100 students annually who earn about $40,855, combining solid enrollment with respectable earnings. General Studies, the largest program with 108 graduates, produces more modest earnings of around $32,498, while Psychology graduates earn approximately $27,126.
The university's strength lies in preparing students for stable, middle-class careers rather than high-earning professional tracks. Many graduates enter fields like healthcare, business, and education that provide steady employment and earnings growth over time. While starting salaries may be modest, the substantial earnings beyond expectations suggest that GSU effectively prepares students to outperform what might be predicted based on their backgrounds and the institution's resources.
Governors State University delivers exceptional affordability across all income levels, making it one of the most accessible public universities in Illinois. Low-income students pay just $8,982 annually after aid, well below national averages, while middle-income families face costs of $11,856 per year. Even high-income families pay only $18,292, representing strong value compared with most public institutions.
Debt levels remain manageable for most students who borrow. Typical graduates leave with about $18,618 in federal student loan debt, a reasonable amount given the university's focus on working adults and transfer students who may have different borrowing patterns than traditional college students. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,546, reflecting the university's role serving families across various economic circumstances.
The combination of low net prices and moderate debt loads creates a sustainable financial model for most GSU students. With median earnings of $58,169 ten years after enrollment, graduates can typically manage their debt obligations comfortably. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that borrowers successfully navigate repayment, likely benefiting from the practical, career-focused education that helps them secure stable employment after graduation.
Governors State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
