Aurora University vs. Clarke University

Comparable Facts

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

Aurora University is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Aurora University vs. Clarke University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or Clarke 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 Clarke University ($19,053 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarke University are 13.6% lower than at Aurora University ($11,734 vs. $13,580).
• Clarke University is 40.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $11,740 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.2% higher at Clarke University than at Aurora University (about $11,740 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarke University students is 34.3% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($28,884 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. Clarke University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is the same as at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Clarke University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Clarke University 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Clarke University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Clarke University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Clarke University (3.36).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 5.5% at Clarke University.

Aurora University vs. Clarke University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and Clarke 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).

• Clarke University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Aurora University earn a median of about $100 more per year than Clarke University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,900 vs. $42,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $3,663 lower median loan debt than Clarke University graduates ($22,337 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarke University graduates ($230 vs. $268).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Aurora University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.