Governors State University

University Park, Illinois

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Founded in 1969 by the then Illinois Governor Richard B. Ogilvie, Governor State University is situated in Chicago. It has gained recognition for its outstanding community, religious, and public comprehensive campus, during its 5 decades-long foundation. The institution offers 85 distinct bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and certificate programs to about 4,600 students each year. 

Mission: Governors State University (GSU) is committed to offering its students an exceptional education that is accessible and prepares them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the future. 

Vision: It has the vision to create an intellectually stimulating public square and serve as an economic catalyst for its region. The university aims to lead as a model of academic excellence and innovation. 

GSU offers affordable, excellent undergraduate and graduate education to a diverse student body from all over the world, including different cultural and economic backgrounds. 

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Governors State University Key Highlights 

The main highlights discussing details like graduation rate, endowment, campus area, etc., of Governors State University are as follows:

   

Established in

1969

Founder

Governor Richard B. Ogilvie

University Type

Government University

University Motto

‘It’s the ultimate state of being’

University City

Chicago, United States of America

Acceptance Rate

57%

Faculty to Student Ratio 

1:10

Campus Size

750 acres

Graduation Rate

15%

Employment Rate

100%

Official Website Link

https://www.govst.edu/ 

Applying for this University? Get Expert Admission Support

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Governors State University Rankings & Recognition

Governor State University is a premium institute in the United States with some credible rankings. COB's Online MBA ranked Governors State University as No. 3 in the state of Illinois in 2023. GSU’s Online MBA in Supply Chain Management programme was ranked 5th in the country in Onlinemasters.com’s 2023 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management list. 

GSU has the following rankings as per U.S News:

  • list items Governor State University is ranked #149-164 In Regional Universities Midwest in 2024
  • list items Governors State University ranks #55-56 In Top Public Schools in 2024

The Governors State University was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission in 2020. Moreover, some of the GSU's programmes are accredited as follows:

Programme  Accredited by  Accreditation through year

Addiction Studies

National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission

2027

Chemistry 

American Chemical Society

2024

Secondary Education

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

2025

Public Administration

Network of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration

2025

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Governors State University Campus Details 

Governors State University has one of the most lush and lively campuses in Chicago. Located 40 miles south of Chicago, surrounded by 750 Acres of prairie, Governors State University provides an exceptional campus life. The administration, employees, and instructors at the institution are dedicated to giving you a top-notch education, celebrating diversity, and offering exceptional service. Students can make lifelong friendships that will last a lifetime.

The many services, events, and programs that Governors State University (GSU) provides enhance the student experience. Living on campus has several advantages, such as:

  • list items No commute problems
  • list items A chance to attend events for the community
  • list items Chance to assume leadership positions in campus events 

The university is a place for students to live, learn and grow. Additionally, traveling options to the campus are very feasible and diverse. You can travel by train, bus, or air, or take the Metra electric line from Chicago's Randolph Street Station to University Park Station, with stops along the way. The walk to the main entrance is less than a mile from there.

Additionally, the Governor's state offers a complimentary shuttle bus service from the station to the front entrance. There's the Regional PACE bus as well. This serves as the main entrance of the university as well as the nearby towns and the University Park Metra station. For travelers by air, O'Hare and Midway are the two airports that serve Chicago. 

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Programmes Offered by Governors State University 

The Governors State University provides several undergraduate and graduate programs. Some of these programs are mentioned below:

  • list items Accounting, Bachelor of Science
  • list items Biology, Bachelor of Science Teacher Education Concentration
  • list items Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts
  • list items Communication Disorders, Bachelor of Health Science
  • list items Gender and Sexuality Studies, Bachelor of Arts
  • list items Mathematics, Bachelor of Arts
  • list items RN to BSN Completion Program
  • list items Social Sciences Teacher Education, Bachelor of Arts
  • list items Theatre and Performance Studies, Bachelor of Arts
  • list items Criminal Justice, Master of Arts
  • list items Accounting, Master of Science
  • list items Business Administration, Master of Business Administration 
  • list items Chemistry, Master of Science 
  • list items Independent Film and Digital Imaging, Master of Fine Arts
  • list items Occupational Therapy, Master of Occupational Therapy 
  • list items Social Work, Masters of Social Work
  • list items Political and Social Justice Studies, Master of Arts

Here are the details of a few of the programs at GSU:

Programs Intake Tuition Fees (per credit hour) Credit hours

Counsellor Education and Supervision 

Fall, Spring & Summer

$985

48-credit hour

Interdisciplinary Leadership 

Fall, Spring & Summer

$985

60-credit hour

Nursing Practice

Fall, Spring & Summer

$1,169

42–47 credit hours

Computer Science; and Information Technology

Fall, Spring & Summer

$842

33-credit hour

School Psychology

Fall, Spring & Summer

$874

68 hours

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Governors State University Admission Details 

GSU has different deadlines for the different degrees it offers to its international students which are mentioned below:

For Undergraduate Programmes:

Semester Preferred Application Deadline 

Spring

December 1

Fall

April 1

For Graduate Programmes:

Semester Preferred Application Deadline 

Spring

June 1

Summer 

March 1

Fall

October 1


Mark Your Calendar: USA University Application Deadline 2024 - Apply Now!
 

Admission Requirements for International Students

Students looking for admission to Governors State University need the following list of documents during the process of admission:

  • list items An official transcript from all the previously attended institutions
  • list items Official Academic Credentials like National Examination results
  • list items English Proficiency Test results
  • list items Evidence of financial support like an affidavit or bank statement

Steps-by-Step Process to Apply 

International applicants need to follow the following steps to apply to the university:

Step 1: Complete the application online for the chosen program

Step 2: Apply to the program with an application fee of:

  • list items $25 for undergraduate programs
  • list items  $50 for graduate programs

Step 3: Submit all required material as required by your preferred course

Step 4: Send the official transcript online or by mail to the university

Step 5: Send all the documents required by mail to the university

After evaluation, the selected students will receive a letter of admission with the university’s decision. 

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Exams Accepted by Governors State University

To be admitted to the university, international students must fulfill the language requirements of the university. The Pearson Test of English (PTE), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be taken by applicants.

For Graduate Students:

  • list items Applicants must have a minimum acceptable score of 6.0 in the IELTS
  • list items Applicants must have a minimum of 53 scores on the Pearson Test of English (PTE). 
  • list items The acceptable TOEFL score for candidates pursuing a master's degree is 80. Find the details in the table given below.
Type of TOEFL Exam Paper Computer Internet Internet (IBT)

Total Score

550

213

80

Reading

54

21

20

Writing

58

24

20

Listening

55

21

20

Speaking

-

-

20

For Undergraduate Students

Submission of official ACT or SAT scores to Governors State University is optional for admission. 

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Tuition Fees & Other Expenses at Governors State University

Governors State University's (GSU) tuition is set up to maintain high levels of excellence while making education accessible. The university is dedicated to providing reasonably priced options for students seeking higher education, given its status as a public institution. 

Governors State University Tuition Fee for Undergraduates:

Category  Sum 

Tuition

$656 per credit hour

Cost of Living Breakdown for Undergraduate Program:

Category Sum

Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment

$500

Transportation

$1,000

Living Expenses

$6,028

Personal Expenses

$500

Governors State University Tuition Fee for Graduates:

Category Sum per credit hour

College Of Business

$ 842

Computer Science and Information Technology

$ 842

Occupational Therapy

$ 1,010

All Other Master’s Programs

$ 736

Cost of Living Breakdown for Graduate Program: 

Category  Sum 

Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment

$500.00

Transportation

$1,000.00

Living Expenses

$6,028.00

Personal Expenses

$1000.00


Explore expenses covered under education loan!

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Financial Aid & Scholarships by the Governors State University

To lessen the financial burden of tuition costs, Governors State University also provides grants, scholarships, and financial aid programs. With the use of these resources, GSU hopes to make sure that every deserving student, regardless of financial situation, may achieve their academic objectives. There are numerous sources of financial aid available, including the federal and state governments, private companies and organizations, employers, and the Governors State itself.

Gift aids are commonly given out based on academic achievement or financial necessity and does not need to be repaid. It consists of:

  • list items Scholarships and Awards
  • list items Benefits for Veterans and the Military
  • list items Assistantships & Waivers of Tuition

The university offers multiple scholarships to its students to support them in achieving their dreams. Some of these scholarships are as follows:

Scholarship  Benefit

AIM HIGH Scholarships 

$5000 per year

Creative Writing Scholarship

$500 - $1,000 per year

Film Arts Scholarship

$3,000 - $6,000 per year

Forensics Scholarship

$3,000 - $6,000 per year

Media Studies

$3,000- $6,000

Dual Degree Scholarships

$500 MyONE Card Stipend

AAMFT Minority Fellowship Program

Upto $20,000

ACA Foundation Graduate Essay Competition

$1,000

AFT Robert G. Porter Scholars Program

$8,000

Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship

$2,000

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Jobs & Placement Opportunities by Governors State University

Students at Governors State University have excellent employment rates within a year of graduation. 100% of them found employment in the field of speech-language pathology. The majority of graduate students secure jobs in their fields before they graduate.

With a personalized, step-by-step strategy that keeps you on track from your freshman through senior year, Governors State University also offers a 4-Year Career Compass that helps you transition from the classroom to the boardroom. Start at the beginning and adhere to the instructions for every year of your schooling. 

In order to assist students who are looking for jobs, the Office of Career Services also hosts a range of courses and activities throughout different semesters. Details on both on-campus and off-campus activities can be found on the university website.

Here are some placement statistics at GSU - 

Year Number of Graduates (#) Percent of Graduates (%)

Jan 2022 – Dec 2022

34

100

2019 - 2020

38

100

2018 - 2019

32

100

The Governors State University graduates and alumni have reported the following salary for a few of its courses:

Degree Sample Salary

IT & Software Development

$121,000

Masters in Science

$107,000

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Accommodation by Governors State University

Governors State's first residence hall, Prairie Place, debuted in the fall of 2014. Living at GSU's distinctive residence hall, Prairie Place is an enriching and wholesome experience for the students! This vibrant neighborhood, which is only an hour's drive from Chicago, is home to students from various generations, cultures, and walks of life. The completely furnished two- and four-bedroom apartments, as well as suites, offer residents a modern living environment. 

Prairie Place provides 4 accommodation options:

Suites/ Apartments Occupancy Cost for each semester

Semi-suites

Double Bedroom

$3,712.06

Two Bedroom Apartment

Single Bedroom

$4,368.10

Two Bedroom Apartment

Double Bedroom

$6,243.01

Four Bedroom Apartment

Single Bedroom

$5,254.55

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Notable Alumni of Governors State University

Governors State University, a public university in University Park, Illinois, has played a significant role in influencing the professional lives of many accomplished individuals in a variety of professions. A university is known for its alumni, and Governors State University has given some of the most remarkable individuals to society. From Arts to Politics, the university’s alumni list is distinct and never-ending.

Some of the most notable alumni of the University of New Haven are as follows:

Alumni Profession Achievements 

Debbie Halvorson

Former United States Representative

First female Majority Leader of the Illinois State Senate.

Sheryl Underwood

American comedian and actress

National recognition in comedy, television, politics, and philanthropy.

William Davis

Illinois State Representative

Three-time winner of the Jefferson Davis Prize for Confederate History

George M. Marakas

American Author, Teacher, Scholar

National Teaching Award

Alicia Tate-Nadeau

Member of the United States Army

First female general in Illinois history

Governors State University is a shining example of higher education in Chicago, offering students from all backgrounds the chance to pursue top-notch academic programs in a range of subject areas. The institution is a desirable choice for students looking for both value and quality in their education because of its competitive tuition rates and extensive support services, which demonstrate its dedication to affordability and accessibility.

Education abroad can be costly and students might need some financial aid to get the best education at affordable prices which is where GyanDhan comes in. It supports students financially by providing them with counselling and helping them make the whole process of international education easier and seamless. 

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Frequently Asked Questions 

 
Where is the Governors State University located?
 

Governors State University is located in Chicago, United States.

What is the employment rate at Governors State University?
 

The employment rate at Governors State University is 100%.

What is the graduation rate of Governors State University as per U.S. News?
 

The graduation rate of Governors State University as per U.S News is 15%.

What is the ranking of Governors State University?
 

As per the U.S. News, Governors State University is ranked #149-164 in Regional Universities in the Midwest.

Is Governors State University good for international students?
 

Yes, Governors State University welcomes international students from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds to ensure campus diversity and impactful education.

What is the acceptance rate of Governors State University?
 

The acceptance rate of Governors State University is 57%.

What are the scholarship opportunities at Governors State University?
 

Governors State University provides several scholarship options and financial aid options such as AIM HIGH Scholarships, Dual Degree Scholarships, AFT Robert G. Porter Scholars Program, etc. .

 
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