Governors State University vs Illinois Wesleyan University: which has better ROI?
Illinois Wesleyan University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $112,796 in 5 years versus 5 years at Governors State University, on median earnings of $70,871 vs $58,169 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Governors State University | Illinois Wesleyan University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,329 | $28,199 |
| Total net cost | $49,316 | $112,796 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,169 | $70,871 |
| Median debt | $18,618 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 5 yrs | 5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $146,864 | $337,424 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Governors State University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Governors State University, at $12,329 a year after aid versus $28,199 — a gap of $15,870 a year, or $63,480 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Governors State University or Illinois Wesleyan University graduates earn more?
Illinois Wesleyan University graduates report a median $70,871 ten years after entry, $12,702 more than the $58,169 at Governors State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Governors State University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Governors State University: its completers carry a median $18,618 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Illinois Wesleyan University, a difference of $8,382. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
75% of students finish at Illinois Wesleyan University, against 22% at Governors State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.