About GSU
Unlimited Opportunity
Governors State University is the only public university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving approximately 7,750 students. GSU provides affordable and accessible undergraduate and graduate education to culturally and economically diverse students with undergraduate tuition that is the most affordable in the state. Currently, minorities comprise 45 percent of the total enrollment. The average age of a GSU student is 34. In addition, GSU offers financial aid to qualified full and part time students, distributing $30 million in aid annually. Approximately 28 percent of GSU's full-time faculty members represent minorities, constituting one of the most diverse in the state of Illinois.
Established in 1969, GSU emphasizes excellence, access, and innovation. Students benefit from the university's high academic quality, convenient class times, and outstanding educational value. Connected to the City of Chicago and surrounding suburban and farm communities by commuter rail and major expressways, access to GSU is easy and direct. Amid 760 acres of prairie, students enjoy access to vital urban, teeming suburban, and vibrant country life.
As an upper division university, course work begins at the junior baccalaureate level, making it ideal for students transferring from community colleges, adults returning to college, and those seeking to increase their qualifications through a graduate degree or certificate program. Four colleges - Arts and Sciences, Business and Public Administration, Education, and Health and Human Services – offer 22 bachelor’s programs, 25 master’s programs, three doctoral programs, and 23 certificate programs.
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools accredits the university and each GSU program is individually accredited where there is an accrediting agency.
Classes are offered on weekends, evenings, online, and as media courses to accommodate the busy schedule of students who balance academics with work and family commitments. Students may access tutoring services, the online writing center, personal counseling services, career services, and more than 40 clubs and organizations.
The campus is conveniently located within easy reach by road and rail from Chicago and surrounding communities. GSU has a complete library, computer center, Center for Performing Arts, Student Environmental Contract Laboratory, Visual Arts Gallery, Follett Bookstore, cafeteria, child-care (housed within the Family Development Center), and a fully-equipped fitness center with swimming pool, weight room, and basketball courts. The campus is home to the internationally renowned Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, the 120-acre GSU Environmental Research Preserve, and an organic farm.