
1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484, USA


Graduation rates at Governors State University are notably low compared to national averages. The overall graduation rate stands at 20%, placing the university in the bottom 5% nationwide. Male students have a similar graduation rate of 19%, which ranks in the bottom 10%, while the graduation rate for female students is 20%, again falling within the bottom 5%.
The university's four-year graduation rate is particularly low at 13%, ranking it in the lowest 10% of institutions nationally. The six-year graduation rate is slightly higher at 20%, though it remains within the bottom 5% of schools. Retention rates also reflect challenges, with only 59% of students returning after their first year, a figure considered low and situated in the bottom 15% of comparable institutions.
These statistics suggest that students at Governors State University face significant hurdles in completing their degrees promptly. Prospective students should weigh these factors carefully when considering their academic plans and future timing for graduation.
Graduates of Governors State University experience varied earning outcomes depending on their field of study. Those who completed degrees in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing achieve some of the highest median earnings, with an average income of $67,988. This suggests strong returns for students pursuing careers in healthcare and nursing fields.
Business-related degrees also offer relatively favorable earning potential. Graduates with a degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations earn approximately $41,071 on average, while those holding a degree in Accounting and Related Services report median incomes around $39,325. Similarly, a major in Computer Science yields a median annual income of $39,670, making information technology fields notably lucrative among available programs.
Other technology-related areas such as Computer and Information Sciences, General show somewhat lower earnings at $36,593, though still above several other disciplines. Graduates in Criminal Justice and Corrections obtain median earnings near $37,493, indicating solid prospects in public service arenas.
Degrees connected to education and health services generally offer mid-range earnings. For example, those in Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods earn about $34,000, while graduates in Health and Medical Administrative Services report earnings around $33,435. Similarly, Public Health degree holders earn roughly $32,829 on average.
Fields rooted in liberal arts and social sciences tend to have lower median salaries. Graduates with degrees in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities earn around $32,787, while Communication and Media Studies yield approximately $31,272. Those specializing in Social Work report earnings near $30,365, and Psychology, General graduates earn roughly $30,090.
On the lower end of the earnings spectrum, a degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services leads to a median income of $16,443, indicating limited financial return compared to other fields at Governors State University. Similarly, a general science major such as Biology, General sees median earnings near $22,886.
Career Centers:
Full time employees: 6
Part time employees: Data not available
Career Counselling:
Individual: All undergraduates
Group: All undergraduates
Career Center services:
Other information:
Job bank on campus
YesJob fairs on campus
YesIndividual job placement
All undergraduatesOn campus employer recruitment
All undergraduatesBACHELOR’S Degree
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Education
English Language and Literature/Letters
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics
Physical Sciences
Psychology
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
History
MASTER’S Degree
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Education
English Language and Literature/Letters
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics
Physical Sciences
Psychology
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
DOCTOR’S Degree
Education
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services