Lewis University vs Governors State

Lewis University and Governors State University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Illinois, offer distinct educational experiences. Lewis University, a private Catholic university, boasts a lower acceptance rate of 75%, while Governors State University, a public university, offers broader access with an acceptance rate of 100%. Lewis University's student body is predominantly undergraduate, with a smaller graduate population, while Governors State University has a more balanced distribution between undergraduate and graduate students. In terms of popular majors, Lewis University excels in business, nursing, and education, while Governors State University is known for its strength in business, public administration, and social work. Discover more key differences between these two universities by exploring the comprehensive comparison table provided, helping you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Governors State University logo

Governors State University

Lewis University logo

Lewis University

Overview

Location University Park, Illinois Romeoville, Illinois
Campus setting Rural: Fringe Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 48.0% 75.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 52.1% 71.3%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $40

Graduate: $40
SAT range 830 - 1060 1050 - 1240
ACT range 16 - 22 20 - 26
Students submitting SAT score 21.0% 21.0%
Students submitting ACT score 2.0% 9.0%
Total number of applicants 1,168 4,311
Total number of admissions given out 608 3,072
Admitted students who chose to enroll 194 567
Yield rate 31.9% 18.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $25,746

Out of state: $33,258
$46,430
Average net price $9,943 $18,312
Tuition
In state: $7,512

Out of state: $15,024
$35,262
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $7,729

Meal plan: $3,000
Room/dormitory: $6,876

Meal plan: $4,346
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

88.0%
Average amount $10,791
100.0%
Average amount $25,284
Students receiving federal student loan 41.0%
Average amount $5,514
52.0%
Average amount $5,132
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $5,587
12.0%
Average amount $16,524

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 2,709
Men 36.5% Women 63.5%
3,907
Men 49.6% Women 50.4%
Graduate students 1,686
Men 31.7% Women 68.3%
2,276
Men 38.0% Women 62.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students 5.2% 11.9%
International students 7.3% 9.2%
Campus local/setting Rural: Fringe Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 272 1,106
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Illinois Indiana Florida Michigan Ohio Illinois Indiana Minnesota Wisconsin Kansas

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Psychology
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Education
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio 10:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 15.8% 60.5%
Dropout rate 37.4% 12.9%
Transferred out 43.8% 25.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,815
  • Year 2: $93,224
  • Year 3: $95,009
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,988
  • Year 2: $81,491
  • Year 3: $87,571
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,354
  • Year 2: $73,635
  • Year 3: $81,519
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,424
  • Year 2: $75,270
  • Year 3: $77,385
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,463
  • Year 2: $65,695
  • Year 3: $72,555
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $66,333
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,558
  • Year 2: $55,151
  • Year 3: $52,548
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $48,935
  • Year 3: $51,608
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,325
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: $51,565
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $46,762
  • Year 2: $44,595
  • Year 3: $51,524
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,652
  • Year 2: $101,168
  • Year 3: $98,458
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $90,347
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,192
  • Year 2: $67,995
  • Year 3: $70,036
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $68,491
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,898
  • Year 2: $60,071
  • Year 3: $68,310
Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,241
  • Year 2: $44,542
  • Year 3: $59,224
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,836
  • Year 2: $42,682
  • Year 3: $56,533
Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $49,019
  • Year 3: $55,432
Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,095
  • Year 2: $55,964
  • Year 3: $55,062
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,978
  • Year 2: $42,682
  • Year 3: $54,857

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Lewis University and Governors State University?

    Lewis University is a private, Catholic university known for its strong liberal arts foundation and professional programs, particularly in aviation and computer science. Governors State University (GSU) is a public university focused on providing accessible and affordable education, with a strong emphasis on serving the south suburban Chicago region. Lewis tends to have smaller class sizes and a more residential campus experience, while GSU caters to a more diverse student body, including many transfer and commuter students.

  • Which university is more affordable: Lewis University or Governors State University?

    Governors State University is generally more affordable than Lewis University, especially for Illinois residents. As a public institution, GSU offers lower tuition rates. Lewis University, being a private institution, typically has a higher tuition cost, although they do offer financial aid and scholarships to help offset the expense.

  • What types of programs are Lewis University and Governors State University known for?

    Lewis University is well-regarded for its aviation programs, computer science, nursing, and business administration. Governors State University is known for its programs in education, health sciences (like occupational therapy and physical therapy), business, and social work. Both universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  • What is the campus environment like at Lewis University compared to Governors State University?

    Lewis University offers a more traditional, residential campus experience with a focus on student life and community engagement. It has a smaller, more intimate setting. Governors State University has a more commuter-focused campus, with a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on accessibility and flexibility for students with varying schedules and backgrounds. GSU's campus is located on a large nature preserve.

  • What are the admission requirements for Lewis University and Governors State University?

    Lewis University typically requires a stronger academic record for admission, including higher GPA and standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply). Governors State University has more flexible admission requirements, focusing on providing access to higher education for a wider range of students. Specific requirements can vary by program, so it's best to check each university's admissions website for the most up-to-date information.

  • Does Lewis University or Governors State University offer more online programs?

    Governors State University generally offers a wider array of online programs and courses, catering to students who need flexible learning options. Lewis University also offers online programs, but their selection is typically smaller compared to GSU.

  • What is the student-faculty ratio like at Lewis University and Governors State University?

    Lewis University generally has a lower student-faculty ratio than Governors State University. This often translates to smaller class sizes and more individualized attention from professors at Lewis. While GSU also values student-faculty interaction, its larger size may result in slightly larger class sizes.

  • What kind of student support services are available at Lewis University and Governors State University?

    Both Lewis University and Governors State University offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, career services, tutoring, counseling, and disability services. Lewis University, with its smaller size, may offer a more personalized approach to student support. GSU, with its diverse student body, provides resources tailored to the needs of transfer students, adult learners, and students from underrepresented backgrounds.

  • What are the career prospects like for graduates of Lewis University and Governors State University?

    Graduates from both Lewis University and Governors State University have good career prospects. Lewis University's strong industry connections, particularly in aviation and technology, can provide graduates with valuable internship and job opportunities. Governors State University's focus on career-oriented programs and its location in the Chicago metropolitan area also provide graduates with access to a wide range of employment opportunities. The specific career prospects will depend on the student's chosen field of study.

  • How do the locations of Lewis University and Governors State University differ?

    Lewis University is located in Romeoville, Illinois, a suburban setting southwest of Chicago. Governors State University is located in University Park, Illinois, also a suburban setting south of Chicago. Lewis University's location offers a more traditional college town feel, while Governors State University's location provides easy access to both urban and natural environments, being situated on a large nature preserve.