History, Affiliations and Rankings
Governors State University (GSU) was established in 1969 as an upper-division university primarily serving community college graduates pursuing baccalaureate degrees. It is dedicated to providing an extraordinary and accessible education that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in a global community, according to its mission statement. The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the US Department of Education, has granted Governors State University accreditation. NAIA — CCAC is the university's sporting affiliate. The University was ranked #119-#157 in Regional Universities Midwest, #25 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie), and #40-#52 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses
GSU is located 40 miles south of Chicago, on 750 acres of prairie, and is proud to have the lowest tuition of any four-year public university in Illinois. Faculty, administration, and staff at the institution are dedicated to providing a high-quality education, embracing diversity, and providing excellent service to students. The Centre for Performing Arts at GSU brings Broadway and more to the campus for pure entertainment. The Chicago Southland neighbourhood, which surrounds GSU, has nationally recognised restaurants as well as eating with local chefs. 31 bachelor's degree programmes, 27 master's degree programmes, 1 education specialist (Ed. S), 5 doctoral degrees, and 27 certificate programmes are available at the university. Health Professions, Business, Management, Marketing, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities are among the most popular majors at Governors State University.
Accomplishments and Alumni
The university’s extensive list of graduate programs prepares students in a variety of fields for the next level of academic achievement. The University Sustainable Garden at Governors State University (GSU) is a community initiative dedicated to harvesting healthy futures for youth and families in the southland area. It initiated this project to empower individuals and families to make healthy choices, build a sense of community, and to provide a space to grow a custom-designed garden. The list of university’s achievements is unending. There are over 54,000 graduates of the university all around the world who are making an impact. Some of the notable names include Sheryl Underwood, American comedian, Robert Rita, Illinois State Representative and DuShon Monique Brown, American actress.
Student Diversity and Visiting Companies
With over 6,000 students enrolled in 85 different bachelor's, master's, PhD, and certificate programmes each year, GSU has grown to become the only regional, public, comprehensive university in the Chicago suburbs. Governors State University's student body is made up of 38.7% Black or African American students, 31.9 percent White students, 13.5 percent Hispanic or Latino students, 2.74 percent Two or More Races students, 2.38 percent Asian students, 0.0835 percent Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders students, and 0.0209 percent American Indian or Alaska Native students. Among the top employers of university graduates are Amazon, Advocate Aurora Health, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.
