Aurora University vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

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

Aurora University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 646 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Bluffton University is in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Bluffton University 11:1.

Aurora University vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or Bluffton 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 Bluffton University ($19,053 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluffton University are 10% lower than at Aurora University ($12,220 vs. $13,580).
• Bluffton University is 28.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $8,192 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.1% higher at Bluffton University than at Aurora University (about $8,192 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 46.3% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($31,481 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Aurora University or Bluffton University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bluffton University and Aurora University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Aurora University 900/1150; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Aurora University 21/29; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman Aurora University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

Aurora University vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and Bluffton University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Aurora University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,900 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $4,663 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($22,337 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Aurora University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.