Aurora University vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

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

Aurora University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Chicago State University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Chicago State University 9:1.

Aurora University vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or CSU? 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 Chicago State University than Aurora University ($10,441 vs. $19,053).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chicago State University are 14.9% lower than at Aurora University ($11,550 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 128.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $16,416 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 128.7% higher at Aurora University than at Chicago State University (about $16,416 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University as at Chicago State University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 18.2% larger than aid received by Chicago State University students ($21,513 vs. $18,194).

Aurora University vs. CSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is 170 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Chicago State University 750/963.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Chicago State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; CSU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at CSU (3.18).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 3.8% at CSU.

Aurora University vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Aurora University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Aurora University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,900 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $8,913 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($22,337 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($230 vs. $323).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 25%)

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.