Aurora University
About Aurora University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Aurora University is a private university in Aurora, Illinois, west of Chicago. It is known for its programs in nursing, social work, business, criminal justice, and education, with a focus on hands-on learning and career preparation.
Founded
1893
Location
Aurora, Illinois
Students
5,791
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
80.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
60.3%
Near national average
Tuition
$29,170
Per year
Avg Net Price
$18,838
After financial aid
SAT Average
1076
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$58,709
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Aurora University accepts the majority of applicants at 80.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1076/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
60.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
77.1%
4-Year Grad
46%
6-Year Grad
55%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
24.7%
$/Student
$5.1K
Class Size
Medium
While 46% finish in 4 years, 77.1% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$29,170
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,580
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$40,625
After Financial Aid
$18,838
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$14,525
Receive Grants
45%
Take Loans
47.4%
The total cost of attendance runs about $40,625/yr, including $13,580 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $18,838.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Aurora University fund their education.
While in School
45%
Get Grants
Free money
47.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$45,293
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,318
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$215/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $20,318 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Aurora University.
Gender
66.6%
Female
33%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,974
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,817
Graduates
45.7%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
13.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 67% of the student body. 45.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
3,974
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Aurora University fields 14 varsity teams with 736 student athletes, about 19% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Northern Athletics
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
736
19% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
63% / 37%
465
Men
271
Women
12
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Aurora Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$58,709
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$73K
216 grads
1yr Earnings
Social Work
$38K
175 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$49K
163 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
102 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$44K
83 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$44K
76 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $51K six years out, growing to $59K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Aurora University
What is the acceptance rate at Aurora University?▾
How much does Aurora University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Aurora University?▾
How much do Aurora University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.