Aurora University vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Aurora University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Bethel University 12:1.

Aurora University vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or Bethel University? 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 Bethel University ($19,053 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 18% lower than at Aurora University ($11,140 vs. $13,580).
• Bethel University is 18.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $5,430 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.6% higher at Bethel University than at Aurora University (about $5,430 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Bethel University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 16.4% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($25,046 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Aurora University or Bethel University? 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 Bethel University and Aurora University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is the same as at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Bethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Bethel University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

Aurora University vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and Bethel University? 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).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Aurora University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,900 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $3,728 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($22,337 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($230 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Aurora University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.