Aurora University
Aurora University is a private nonprofit university in Aurora, IL ranked #572 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 4,021 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 85.1%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Accounting and Related Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.8% first-year retention, and 58.3% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $18,992, about $1,994 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -32.6%, roughly 117.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $51,237. That's about $7,549 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Aurora University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Aurora University graduates 58.3% of students within six years and keeps 77.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Aurora University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $28,220 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,240 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,204 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $39,232 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 43.5% of Aurora University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $13,980 to $25,042 depending on family income. Use Aurora University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,070/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,042/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $51,237
- 10-Year Median Earnings $51,237
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 61.9%
- Employment Rate 92.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Aurora University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Aurora University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Aurora University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Aurora University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Aurora University graduates earn $51,237 median, the -32.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 470-583
- SAT Math 460-550
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 20-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 4,021
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.8%
- Graduation Rate 58.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into Aurora University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Aurora University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 85.1%, Aurora University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 85.1% acceptance rate, Aurora University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 930 and 1133 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Aurora University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Social Work, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 17.2%
- Social Work 13.2%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 12.0%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 6.3%
- Psychology, General 5.6%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 5.2%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.5%
- Marketing 4.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $80,026
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $79,539
- 3. Business/Commerce, General $75,737
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs $67,458
- 5. Marketing $64,060
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations $62,691
- 7. Biology, General $60,920
- 8. Criminal Justice and Corrections $59,192
- 9. Computer Science $51,605
- 10. Social Work $51,486
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $109,412
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $88,780
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $80,383
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $76,132
- 5. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $72,816
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $68,751
- 7. Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education (Master's Degree) $65,882
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $64,819
- 9. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $63,501
- 10. Social Work (Master's Degree) $59,292
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $80,026—55% more than Social Work ($51,486). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $109,412 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Aurora University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 184 graduates)
- Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree, 81 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 60 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 56 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 48 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (37 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer Science
- Biology, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Mathematics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Design and Applied Arts
- Political Science and Government
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Philosophy
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Sustainability Studies
- Sociology
- Music
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Engineering, General
- Computer Engineering
- Chemistry
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Community Organization and Advocacy
Online Master's Degrees (12 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Accounting and Related Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Mathematics
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Social Work
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,021
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 33.8%
- Female Students 66.2%
- Caucasian 39.2%
- Asian 3.5%
- Hispanic 42.2%
- Black 5.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 43.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Aurora University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Aurora University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Aurora University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Aurora University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Aurora University has a diverse student body, with 39.2% identifying as White. Women make up 66.2% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Aurora University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Aurora University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Aurora University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -32.6% ROI. Ranked #572 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,992 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $51,237 median earnings. With 58.3% graduating within six years and 77.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Aurora University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #572 ranking, Aurora University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,992 annually, Aurora University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 77.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $13,294 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -32.6% ROI and $51,237 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,992+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Aurora University ranks #572 of 1973 institutions, with 581 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 58.3% six-year graduation rate sits 4.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.8% first-year retention is 1.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -32.6% return on investment is 117.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $51,237 run about 17% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,992 is roughly $918 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.3% employment rate within three years sits 24.1 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Aurora University is a private nonprofit university based in Aurora, IL and earns a B+ overall grade. It stands at #572 among 1973 schools Category results include Completion (B), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 77.8% retention and 58.3% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -32.6%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,992 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $39,232.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $20,240 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 43.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $51,237 six years after enrollment. That sits about 17% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 92.3% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -32.6%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
85.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Aurora University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Aurora, IL 60506-4892
- Website aurora.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$45.5M