FAQ
GSU is an upper-division university. What does that mean?
It means that GSU offers only junior and senior level courses leading to the completion of a bachelors' degree. We do not offer courses at the freshman and sophomore level.
An associate's degree or 60 credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university is required for admission, although our Board of Governors program does give credit for life experiences and can admit students with 30 or more credit hours. For admission to any of our master's degree programs, a student must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Students must also meet all GSU program requirements.
Additionally, GSU does offer full graduate and doctoral degree programs.
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Can I attend GSU as a freshman or sophomore?
No, as an upper-division university we only offer courses at the junior and senior level, which lead to baccalaureate degree completion. We also offer programs leading to master's and doctoral degrees.
However, we have dual admission and articulation agreements with many community colleges, which means that a student can enroll in a community college and then make a seamless transition to
GovernorsState to complete his/her bachelor's degree. It's just like attending a four year college.
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Can I receive financial aid?
Students who take at least six credit hours are eligible for financial aid. Governors State also offers scholarships, work/study programs, and tuition waivers for qualified students. In addition, GSU has received funding from the Federal government for scholarships in some education and health professions programs. Additional information is available on the Office of Financial Aid website. GSU's financial aid code is 009145.
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What will it cost me to attend Governors State University?
GSU has the lowest tuition of any public university in Illinois, and tuition for Illinois undergraduates is guaranteed for four years (12 consecutive trimesters). To determine your estimated cost of attendance, use our Cost Estimator.
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Will all of my credits transfer?
Most college level credits from a regionally accredited college or university will transfer, assuming that the student's grade satisfies the requirements of the academic program the student is applying to. As a general rule, a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher is required. In some cases, credits may not transfer because they do not the requirements of the program the student is applying to. Additional information on credit transfer is available on the Office of Admission website.
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How many classes can I take per trimester?
The number of classes you can take depends on your schedule and the demands on your time. Your advisor will help you choose an appropriate course workload. A graduate student taking nine hours per trimester is considered a full-time student and an undergraduate taking 12 or more hours is full-time.
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Can I take individual courses without pursuing a degree?
Absolutely! Simply apply for admission as a non-degree seeking student, which does not require you to submit transcripts.
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What classes will be offered next trimester?
GSU's current schedule of classes is available online. The schedule is normally posted about four months before the start of classes for the next trimester. If you would like a printed copy of the schedule, please contact us at 708.534.4490 or gsunow@govst.edu.
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Where can I get a university catalog?
The university catalog is available online. If you would like a CD-Rom or printed copy of the catalog, please contact us at 708.534.4490 or gsunow@govst.edu. Hard copies are also available at local community colleges and community libraries.
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Are there programs available for students studying at a distance?
Distance learning is one of GSU's strengths. The university offers more than 130 courses online or as distance learning programs, with more on the way. GSU also offers correspondence and tele-courses. Students who take distance learning courses in any format are charged in-state tuition rates regardless of where they live. Additional information is available from the School of Extended Learning.
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Are there programs available for students serving in the military?
Since 1997, GSU has been participating in education programs with the military. We currently offer opportunities to students serving in the Navy through NCPACE, in the Coast Guard through SOCCOAST, and in the Army National Guard. Distance learning courses are offered via a variety of methods to make it easy for servicemembers to take classes while serving anywhere in the world. Full degree completion is also possible for many students.
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How does the application process work?
It's easy. Print out the appropriate application, complete it, and mail it to us. Some programs have supplemental application materials.
Graduate applications require a $25 application fee and doctoral applications require a $50 application fee. Please make your check out to Governors State University.
Request official transcript(s) from each college or university you have attended. The colleges or universities you attended should send the official transcript(s) to the attention of the Admission and Student Recruitment Office at the address listed below.
Students should not open official transcripts sent directly to them, but should forward the transcript(s) directly to GSU at the address below in a sealed envelope. Completed application form and official transcript(s) should be mailed to:
Governors State University
Office of Admission and Student Recruitment
1 University Parkway
University Park, IL 60484-0975
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How can I determine the status of my application?
To determine the status of your application, contact the Admission Processing Office at 708.534.4510.
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Do I need to complete a new student orientation?
Undergraduate students can conveniently complete their student orientation wherever they are and whenever they want because the student orientation program is offered fully online. However it must be completed prior to registration for classes. Graduate students do not have to complete an orientation.
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How does the advising process work?
Upon admission to the university, each student is assigned an advisor who reviews the student's transcript(s) and, working with the student, develops a study plan, which identifies the courses that should be taken and the sequence in which they should be taken. Advisors monitor the student's progress and will suggest ways to satisfy the requirements for any given degree program. They will also inform students of the support services that GSU provides.
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What if my advisor doesn't respond to my calls or messages?
Advisors take seriously their responsibilities to meet the needs of students and to help them graduate in the shortest time possible. In the rare instance where an advisor may not be prompt in returning calls or messages, the student should contact the chair of the division/department.
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What additional types of assistance are available to students?
Governors State offers all students access to all students access to academic, career, and personal counseling services via our Division of Student Development. Academic tutoring is available in math, writing, statistics, and business. For information on additional programs, call 708.534.4508.
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What types of student activities are available at GSU?
GSU has a number of clubs and organizations. Students are encouraged to be active and to serve on university committees as well.
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Does GSU offer child care?
Childcare is available at the Family Development Center on the GSU campus from 7 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. for children ages 5 to 12 at the special rate of $3 per hour (plus a $35 registration fee) for children of GSU students. Meals are available on site for an extra charge. Full and half-day pre-kindergarten classes are available during the school year for 3- to 5-year-olds.
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