Acceptance Rate
81%
Avg. SAT
1150
75th percentile
“Suburban Illinois university powering careers in teaching and nursing with practical training near Chicago.”
Aurora, IL
Location
Large Suburb
Campus Setting
Aurora University began in 1893 as Mendota College, founded by Free Will Baptists in a rural Illinois town, before moving to Aurora in 1912 and renaming as Aurora College. A 1985 merger with George Williams College added strengths in leadership and human services, shaping its focus on service-oriented professions. Students who thrive here are pragmatic Midwesterners pursuing clear career paths in education, health care, or business; those craving research prestige or coastal excitement may feel out of place. Aurora sits in Illinois' second-largest city, a diverse suburb 40 miles west of Chicago with commuter rail links for easy city access. The surrounding area mixes family neighborhoods, manufacturing, and emerging tech, keeping living costs below Chicago's but requiring a car for most errands. Campus feels tight-knit and accessible, though the spread-out suburbs mean fewer spontaneous urban adventures.
Photo Gallery
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
The College of Education stands out, preparing teachers through early fieldwork in local schools, while nursing and physical therapy programs feature simulation labs that mimic real clinical settings. You'll find classes intimate enough for professor mentorship, with group projects emphasizing skills employers want over abstract theory. Research leans applied, like community health studies, but tradeoffs include competition for clinical spots in health majors and occasional larger lectures for introductory courses. Business and social work round out strengths, with internships at Chicago firms common. Intellectual life centers on practical problem-solving rather than debate-heavy seminars.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
4,106 undergrad • 1,817 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
45%
Black / African American
8%
Hispanic / Latino
35%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
9%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Aurora, IL
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Division III Spartan athletics, especially basketball and soccer, pack the stands and build school spirit on this residential campus. Freshmen bond in suite-style halls, while many upperclassmen live off-campus or commute, creating a mix of live-in energy and independent vibes. A typical week includes morning classes, afternoon clubs or practices, evening study groups, and occasional Fox River walks; weekends often mean Chicago outings or low-key events. The social scene stays friendly and service-focused, with over 60 organizations hosting volunteer drives rather than dominant Greek life. Cold, snowy winters push activities indoors, and the suburban setting tempers wild parties but suits students prioritizing balance over nightlife.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$12,902
$30K – $48K
$13,464
$48K – $75K
$16,168
$75K – $110K
$20,679
$110K+
$22,192
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
77%
4 Years Graduation Rate
62%
6 Years Graduation Rate
68%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$58,709
77% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Aurora University and return in the fall. 62% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 68% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
62%
4-5 years
6%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
31%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$27,200
Acceptance
81%
Undergrads
4,106
4-Year Grad Rate
62%
Endowment
$46M
Aurora, IL 60506-4892
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