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Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois 60506-4892

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

SuburbanGreek life

Known for health sciences

Aurora University is a private institution in Aurora with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1072, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 4K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.

58% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $58,709 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $18,992.

Established
1893
Motto
Sapientes abscondunt scientiam
Type
Private university
Division
Division III

Campus Visits

1 upcoming visit · Next: Fri, May 29 · Campus Tour

Plan Your Visit

85%Acceptance
1072SAT Avg
4,021Students
18:1Student:Faculty
58%Grad Rate
$58,709Earnings 10yr
$18,992Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate85.1%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1072

Reading & WritingMid: 525
470583
MathMid: 520
460550

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 22
2026

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$28,220
Room & Board$13,240
Books & Supplies$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance$39,232
Average Net Price$18,992
Median Debt at Graduation$20,318
Monthly Payment (10yr)$215

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$13,980
$30–48K$14,079
$48–75K$16,984
$75–110K$22,070
$110K+$25,042

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

51.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.7%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$15,500

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

28

Peer Average

37

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

7

Burglary

1

Aggravated Assault

1

Robbery

2

Motor Vehicle Theft

3

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

8

Drug Arrests

6

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (72)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

78%

Mixed

Student Body

Undergrads
4,021
Gender Split
66% / 34%
Women / Men
First Generation
46%
Pell Grant Recipients
43%

Race & Ethnicity

White 39%
Black 6%
Hispanic 42%
Asian 3%
Two+ 2%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate58.3%
Freshman Retention77.8%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$51,237
10 Years$58,709

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#273
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#272
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Spartans

Bowling teamsCheerIce hockey

History & Fun Facts

  • (March 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Aurora University was founded as Mendota Seminary in Mendota, Illinois, in 1893.
  • In 1971, Aurora College separated from the Advent Christian Church, and in 1985, changed its name to Aurora University to better reflect the breadth of its academic programs.
  • In 1992, the school entered into an affiliation agreement with George Williams College in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, which was followed by a full merger in 2000.
  • In November 2022, Aurora University announced plans to end academic use of the campus in 2024 and continue operations as a conference center.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

100Average

Estimated from IL state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Chicagopop. 2.7M
38 mi(66 min)
Milwaukeepop. 570K
92 mi(159 min)
Indianapolispop. 880K
179 mi(310 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

ORD Chicago O'Hare27 mi
MKE Milwaukee86 mi
IND Indianapolis177 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA886 mi · ~25h 36m drive
New York, NY748 mi · ~21h 37m drive
Hartford, CT807 mi · ~23h 19m drive
Providence, RI871 mi · ~25h 10m drive
Albany, NY749 mi · ~21h 38m drive
Syracuse, NY628 mi · ~18h 9m drive
Rochester, NY556 mi · ~16h 4m drive
Buffalo, NY490 mi · ~14h 9m drive
Philadelphia, PA699 mi · ~20h 12m drive
Pittsburgh, PA444 mi · ~12h 50m drive
Harrisburg, PA606 mi · ~17h 30m drive
Newark, NJ739 mi · ~21h 21m drive
Washington, DC627 mi · ~18h 7m drive
Baltimore, MD639 mi · ~18h 28m drive
Atlanta, GA594 mi · ~17h 10m drive
Charlotte, NC606 mi · ~17h 30m drive
Raleigh, NC666 mi · ~19h 14m drive
Miami, FL1199 mi · ~34h 38m drive
Orlando, FL993 mi · ~28h 41m drive
Tampa, FL1010 mi · ~29h 11m drive
Nashville, TN395 mi · ~11h 25m drive
New Orleans, LA821 mi · ~23h 43m drive
Richmond, VA649 mi · ~18h 45m drive
Chicago, IL38 mi · ~1h 6m drive
Detroit, MI275 mi · ~7h 57m drive
Minneapolis, MN332 mi · ~9h 35m drive
St. Louis, MO237 mi · ~6h 51m drive
Kansas City, MO375 mi · ~10h 50m drive
Indianapolis, IN179 mi · ~5h 10m drive
Columbus, OH306 mi · ~8h 50m drive
Cleveland, OH344 mi · ~9h 56m drive
Milwaukee, WI92 mi · ~2h 39m drive
Dallas, TX774 mi · ~22h 22m drive
Houston, TX917 mi · ~26h 29m drive
Austin, TX950 mi · ~27h 27m drive
San Antonio, TX1023 mi · ~29h 33m drive
Los Angeles, CA1704 mi · ~49h 14m drive
San Francisco, CA1818 mi · ~52h 31m drive
San Diego, CA1694 mi · ~48h 56m drive
Seattle, WA1703 mi · ~49h 12m drive
Portland, OR1723 mi · ~49h 47m drive
Denver, CO881 mi · ~25h 27m drive
Phoenix, AZ1414 mi · ~40h 51m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1221 mi · ~35h 16m drive
Honolulu, HI4213 mi · ~121h 43m drive
Mid-Atlantic / Central (moderate winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

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