Governors State University vs University of Illinois Springfield: which has better ROI?
University of Illinois Springfield has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $39,332 in 4.5 years versus 5 years at Governors State University, on median earnings of $57,103 vs $58,169 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Governors State University | University of Illinois Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,329 | $9,833 |
| Total net cost | $49,316 | $39,332 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,169 | $57,103 |
| Median debt | $18,618 | $19,128 |
| Payback | 5 yrs | 4.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $146,864 | $135,528 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Governors State University or University of Illinois Springfield?
University of Illinois Springfield, at $9,833 a year after aid versus $12,329 — a gap of $2,496 a year, or $9,984 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 University of Illinois Springfield graduates earn more?
Governors State University graduates report a median $58,169 ten years after entry, $1,066 more than the $57,103 at University of Illinois Springfield. 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 University of Illinois Springfield?
Governors State University: its completers carry a median $18,618 in federal loans versus $19,128 at University of Illinois Springfield, a difference of $510. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
53% of students finish at University of Illinois Springfield, 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.