Aurora University vs. GSU

Comparable Facts

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

Aurora University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Aurora University vs. GSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or GSU? 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 Governors State University than Aurora University ($12,756 vs. $19,053).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 13.6% lower than at Aurora University ($11,736 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 143% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $17,166 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 143% higher at Aurora University than at Governors State University (about $17,166 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Governors State University (99% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 87.8% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($21,513 vs. $11,455).

Aurora University vs. GSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is 80 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Governors State University 830/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; GSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Aurora University (3.56).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 16.8% at GSU.

Aurora University vs. GSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Graduates from Aurora University earn a median of about $300 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,900 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $5,087 lower median loan debt than Aurora University graduates ($17,250 vs. $22,337).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Aurora University graduates ($178 vs. $230).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 48%)

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.