Governors State University

Founded in 1969, Governors State University GSU is a four-year public university in the state of Illinois that champions openness, innovation and flexibility. Serving more than 5,500 students, GSU offers 64 degree and 24 certificate programs and our students earn the qualifications needed to succeed in business, industry, healthcare, the arts and education.

GSU is expert at guiding freshman and transfer students to discover the right degree program to excite their interests. The university’s extensive list of graduate programs prepares students in a variety of fields for the next level of academic achievement. The GSU experience includes a comprehensive student life, both on and off campus, with on-campus housing; club sports and recreation; civic engagement; international student services; more than 70 student clubs and organizations; the world renowned Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park sculpture park, the Center for Performing Arts and much more.

Set amongst 750 acres of prairie, GSU is located 40 miles south of Chicago, and is proud to offer the most affordable university undergraduate tuition rate in the state of Illinois. The university faculty, administration and staff are committed to providing a quality education, embracing diversity and serving students with excellence.

Your journey here will fuel your passions and help you discover your place in the world. By understanding and appreciating your strengths, our faculty and staff are uniquely qualified to present you with opportunities to enhance, refine, and hone the skills you already possess—as well as develop new skillsets.

Governor State University's bachelor's, master's, doctoral, online, certificate, and dual degree programs offer the breadth, rigor, structure, and knowledge essential for college, career, and life success, while offering the highest return on investment of any state university in Illinois. Located in the Southlands of Chicago, Illinois, GSU also provides world-class education at the lowest tuition and fees of any public, four-year state university, and our campus is the safest in the state.

Governors State University is committed to offering an exceptional and accessible education that prepares students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in a global society.

GSU will create an intellectually stimulating public square, serve as an economic catalyst for the region, and lead as a model of academic excellence, innovation, diversity and responsible citizenship.

In every college we have stellar programs and star professors, all focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting. Not only will you find the programs and courses you're looking for, you'll also find more than 80 student clubs and honor societies that let you dig deeper into whatever interests you.

Since our founding, one of our big ideas came from understanding that daytime classes don't fit many students' schedules. That's why GSU offers classes at night, online, on television, and at locations around the Chicago area.

We are in the heart of Chicago's Southland near I-57, a major north-south route, and I-80, the region's major east-west route. If you travel by train, the Metra station is close enough to walk – along our Alumni Path that leads from the station to campus – or by free shuttle bus. And, PACE bus service makes stops on campus.GSU ranks as the safest public university campus in Illinois. If you include public university campuses in northwest Indiana, we're still number one. Safety is a big priority here. And it shows.

A college education is a solid investment that will likely pay for itself over a graduate’s lifetime. As with any major decision, planning and research is critical. We encourage all students to apply for financial aid to help make college education affordable. But we understand that filling out financial aid application can be daunting.The Financial Aid Office is committed to helping you research all options to make your valuable education most affordable.

Governors State University is packed with programs, activities and services – all designed to make your college experience here richer and more satisfying. The more you know, the more you’ll want to get involved.We want you to get the most out of your time at Governors State.That’s why we have an entire office and staff dedicated to student programs, organizations, services and events.

Prairie Place, the first on-campus residences at Governors State, recently opened in Fall 2014.Form great friendships that will stay with you for a lifetime. This is a true living and learning community.Staying fit can help keep you at the top of your academic game. When you are a student at GSU you’ll find fitness and recreationopportunities.There are also team sports, special events and classes. At Governors State you’ll find students and faculty who look just like you – or completely different. That’s one of our great strengths as a university.

Civic Engagement is one of our core values at Governors State. In our new Civic Engagement and Community Service Center you’ll find our community service programs to get involved in and service-learning activities.We know your focus at Governors State University is on getting the most out of your classes and working toward a degree that will help you get that great career or promotion. But that doesn’t mean that other aspects of your life don't also make big demands on your time and energy.

From the day you take your first class at GSU, we’re focused on getting you started on a great career – from advice on choosing that career to selecting the major that will prepare you to succeed. We’re also your resource for help with resume writing, interview skills and workshops.

Governors State ranks as the safest public university campus in Illinois. If you include public university campuses in northwest Indiana, we’re still number one. Safety is a big priority here. And it shows. Visit the National Center for Education Statistics and compare us to any college or university in the region.

From the day you’re accepted, the GSU Division of Student Affairs is your on-campus resource. Starting with Welcome Week and Orientation to our Leadership Institute or Career Services, from clubs to special events, we’re here to make your college experience rich and memorable.