Aurora University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

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

Aurora University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Aurora University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or Central 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 Aurora University than Central College ($19,053 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 11.2% lower than at Aurora University ($12,060 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 39% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $8,182 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39% higher at Aurora University than at Central College (about $8,182 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 54.5% larger than aid received by Central College students ($21,513 vs. $13,925).

Aurora University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 60 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 Central College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Central College (3.52).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 21% at Central College.

Aurora University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and Central 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).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $4,663 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($22,337 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Aurora University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.