GovState reports an increase in new students, driven by graduate and transfer enrollment

Governors State University D Building Main Entrance

(University Park, Illinois) — Governors State University (GovState) reported a 6.2 percent increase in new student enrollment for fall 2026, with growth driven by increases in domestic transfer students and students pursuing graduate degrees.

According to the University’s official 10th-day census, GovState welcomed 1,369 new students this fall, bringing overall undergraduate and graduate enrollment to 4,188.

Changes in federal visa and travel policies have impacted international student enrollment, resulting in a 60 percent decrease. Despite the overall 3.2 percent decline in enrollment, GovState leaders say the increase in new students reflects the University’s continued recruitment efforts and its focus on creating accessible pathways to a bachelor’s degree.

“There is a lot to be excited about at GovState,” said David Hermann, Ph.D., Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. “Students are choosing GovState because of the opportunities they see here, and we're looking forward to building on that momentum. We have so much to offer our students and our communities, and I believe GovState has a very bright future.”

“The University remains encouraged by its new student enrollment despite the challenges facing higher education nationally,” said GovState President Joyce C. Ester, Ph.D.

“Governors State University is not the only university facing enrollment challenges, yet GovState’s enrollment has remained relatively steady over the years, even as other institutions experience steeper declines. Our trends show that students continue to see GovState as an affordable, exceptional, and achievable path to their education,” Ester said. “Today, 95 percent of GovState students come from Illinois, and 73 percent of the alumni live, work, and play in Illinois.”

Ester also emphasized the ongoing need for equitable state funding to support GovState’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality higher education to students throughout the region.

Zion Banks

zbanks@govst.edu

630-842-6427