Aurora University vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Aurora University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 5,923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

Aurora University vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or GVSU? 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 Grand Valley State University than Aurora University ($17,198 vs. $19,053).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 14.9% lower than at Aurora University ($11,550 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 92.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $14,030 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.4% higher at Aurora University than at Grand Valley State University (about $7,622 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Grand Valley State University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 92.3% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($21,513 vs. $11,188).

Aurora University vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 40 points higher than at Aurora University (1030).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Aurora University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Aurora University (3.56).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

Aurora University vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $2,663 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($22,337 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($230 vs. $258).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 62%)

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.