Governors State University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Governors State University (GSU) is 57.48%. This means that 57 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Governors State University Admissions?
- Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

To secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are both mentally and physically fit for the course of study. More importantly, your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Additionally, if you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as the GSU is not very strict in its admission process, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
As the acceptance rate is above 50%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not excellent. You can make up for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Governors State University Admission Requirements
Can I Get Into GSU Without SAT Or ACT?: Governors State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Governors State University (GSU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Governors State University Average SAT Score: 945
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Governors State University is 945 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Governors State University SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 945 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1060 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Governors State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 830, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to GSU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Governors State University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
SAT Math | 465 | 410 | 520 |
SAT Reading | 480 | 420 | 540 |
SAT Composite | 945 | 830 | 1060 |
It means that if you have scored less than 830 then you are below most of the admitted students at GSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1060 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 950
Can I get into Governors State University (GSU) with a 1050 SAT?
With a 1050 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Governors State University (GSU) are good but the admission staff at GSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
GSU Profile
Name: Governors State University (GSU)
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from GSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Governors State University is USD: 20901. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Governors State University is USD: 9833
How can I get a scholarship?
53.12% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 40.61 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to GSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Governors State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist GSU as your choice in the form.
How much a GSU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the GSU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 58169. An average GSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595

Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Governors State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Governors State University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama A & M University | Alabama A & M University, AL | 920 | 17 |
Gallaudet University | Gallaudet University, DC | 896 | 17 |
Bethune-Cookman University | Bethune-Cookman University, FL | 903 | 17 |
St Luke's College | St Luke's College, IA | 910 | 17 |
Bowie State University | Bowie State University, MD | 910 | NA |
Villa Maria College | Villa Maria College, NY | 895 | NA |
Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville State University, NC | 915 | 17 |
Winston-Salem State University | Winston-Salem State University, NC | 921 | 17 |
Wilberforce University | Wilberforce University, OH | 910 | 16 |
Benedict College | Benedict College, SC | 900 | NA |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Governors State University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Governors State University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Delaware State University | Delaware State University, DE | 939 | 22 |
Gordon State College | Gordon State College, GA | 952 | 17 |
Boise Bible College | Boise Bible College, ID | 950 | NA |
Lewis-Clark State College | Lewis-Clark State College, ID | 940 | NA |
Grambling State University | Grambling State University, LA | 938 | 17 |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Governors State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Faulkner University | Faulkner University, AL | 1021 | 21 |
University of West Alabama | University of West Alabama, AL | 1015 | 19 |
Central Baptist College | Central Baptist College, AR | 1011 | 21 |
Henderson State University | Henderson State University, AR | 1019 | 19 |
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Full list of All degree programs offered by Governors State University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.