Aurora University vs. Blackburn College

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Aurora University is larger than Blackburn College based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 513 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Blackburn College is in Carlinville, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Blackburn College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Blackburn College 11:1.

Aurora University vs. Blackburn College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or Blackburn College? 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 Blackburn College than Aurora University ($18,460 vs. $19,053).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Blackburn College are 27% lower than at Aurora University ($9,915 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 3.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Blackburn College (about $1,021 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.6% higher at Aurora University than at Blackburn College (about $1,021 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Blackburn College than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 10.6% larger than aid received by Blackburn College students ($21,513 vs. $19,456).

Aurora University vs. Blackburn College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Blackburn College (1010).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Blackburn College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Blackburn College 888/1125.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Blackburn College 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Blackburn College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Blackburn College (3.23).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than Blackburn College (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 25.7% at Blackburn College.

Aurora University vs. Blackburn College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and Blackburn College? 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).

• Blackburn College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Aurora University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Blackburn College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,900 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $3,663 lower median loan debt than Blackburn College graduates ($22,337 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Blackburn College graduates ($230 vs. $268).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Blackburn College students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 58%)

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.