
1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484, USA


Governors State University holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which ensures that the university meets rigorous standards of quality and integrity. This accreditation is essential for students seeking federal financial aid and for those who wish to transfer credits to other accredited institutions. Furthermore, several individual programs within the university have received specialized accreditation from relevant professional organizations, enhancing the credibility and recognition of those fields of study. Prospective students should consider these accreditations as key indicators of academic quality and professional preparedness offered by Governors State University.
Governors State University maintains an open admission policy, allowing eligibility for prospective students without stringent academic thresholds. Applicants must have completed a General Educational Development (GED) credential, which serves as a baseline for admission.
The university does not require applicants to have a personal computer, but it does offer the option to lease one if needed. While data on secondary school GPA, rank, and other academic records are unavailable, Governors State University accepts college, dual, and Advanced Placement (AP) credits, facilitating academic progress for transfer and advanced placement students.
Standardized test scores such as SAT and ACT are not heavily weighted, with the average SAT score placing in the very low range nationally, around 945, and the average ACT score at 19, both within the bottom 10 percent percentile. This reflects an admission environment that prioritizes accessibility over test performance.
Governors State University requires prospective undergraduate applicants to pay a nonrefundable application fee. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing each application. The exact amount of the fee is modest, reflecting the university's commitment to maintaining affordability for its applicants. Payment is typically required at the time of submission for the application to be considered complete.
Applicants who may face financial barriers have the opportunity to apply for a fee waiver. These waivers are aimed at easing the financial burden on students from low-income backgrounds or those meeting specific eligibility criteria. To qualify, prospective students generally need to provide documentation or meet certain conditions as outlined by the university's admission policies.
Fee waivers are designed to ensure that application costs do not impede qualified individuals from seeking admission. This policy supports wider access and diversity within the student body, aligning with Governors State University's mission to serve a broad and inclusive population of learners.
Governors State University offers Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through a branch unit located directly on its campus. Prospective students interested in pursuing military leadership training can participate in ROTC activities without needing to attend a separate host institution. This on-campus presence provides accessible opportunities for students to engage in ROTC coursework and training while completing their degree studies at Governors State University.
Governors State University welcomes transfer students for multiple terms, including fall, spring, and summer semesters. The institution accepts transfer credits and recognizes recommendations, which can facilitate the admission process for prospective students. Additionally, the university grants credit through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) for subject exams and through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES) program, supporting flexible transfer pathways.
Governors State University offers students several opportunities to engage in study abroad programs, designed to enhance global learning and cultural exposure. These programs include short-term faculty-led trips, exchange programs, and education abroad options that allow students to study in various international locations while earning credits toward their degrees.
The university emphasizes immersive experiences where students can directly engage with different cultures and academic environments. Faculty-led trips typically range from a few weeks during the summer or winter breaks and focus on specific academic themes or projects relevant to the students' fields of study.
Additionally, exchange programs provide students with the chance to spend a semester or longer at partner institutions overseas. This arrangement supports academic collaboration and cultural exchange, enriching the students' educational journey while ensuring their credits transfer back to Governors State University.
Governors State University also supports education abroad programs through partnerships that cover a broad geographic scope, enabling students to select destinations aligning with their academic and personal interests. These opportunities allow students to take courses in a foreign academic system, fostering both language skills and global competence.
Median composite SAT score
945Median composite ACT score
19Percent of students submitting ACT scores
1%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
2%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesOpen admission policy
YesDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
NoROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer