Governors State University
University Park, Illinois
Governors State University is a public institution in University Park, Illinois with 2,518 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $11,320 compared with a Illinois nursing-school average of $17,333. The school reports a graduation rate of 19.6%, median earnings of $58,169, and median federal debt of $18,618.
$11,320 is lower than the state average of $17,333.
19.6% is lower than the state average of 51.1%.
$58,169 is higher than the state average of $46,394.
About Governors State University
| Location | University Park, Illinois |
| Institution Type | Public |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.govst.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $11,320 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $11,320 |
| Total Enrollment | 2,518 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A |
| Graduation Rate | 19.6% |
| Retention Rate | 59.4% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $58,169 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,618 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $197 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 52.4% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 39.9% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.3 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
52.4% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 39.9% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is less common than at many institutions in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Governors State University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $45,280, while the reported median debt is $18,618 with an estimated monthly payment of $197. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among Black students (40.8%), followed by White students (28.2%) and Hispanic students (19.7%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($58,169) divided by median debt ($18,618)