Aurora University vs. BLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Aurora University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Bethany Lutheran College is in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Bethany Lutheran College 12:1.

Aurora University vs. BLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or BLC? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Aurora University than BLC ($19,053 vs. $21,127).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 36.5% lower than at Aurora University ($8,620 vs. $13,580).
• Bethany Lutheran College is 7.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $2,190 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.5% higher at BLC than at Aurora University (about $2,190 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 8.3% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($21,513 vs. $19,865).

Aurora University vs. BLC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Aurora University or BLC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between BLC and Aurora University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 80 points higher than at Aurora University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at BLC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Bethany Lutheran College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; BLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at BLC (3.51).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 34% at BLC.

Aurora University vs. BLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and BLC? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bethany Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Aurora University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,900 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $913 lower median loan debt than BLC graduates ($22,337 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BLC graduates ($230 vs. $240).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Aurora University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.