Aurora University vs. Illinois College

Comparable Facts

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

Aurora University is larger than Illinois College based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 942 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Illinois College is in Jacksonville, IL (Distant Town setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Illinois College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Illinois College 12:1.

Aurora University vs. Illinois College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or Illinois 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 Illinois College than Aurora University ($17,375 vs. $19,053).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois College are 11.4% lower than at Aurora University ($12,026 vs. $13,580).
• Illinois College is 32.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $9,506 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.6% higher at Illinois College than at Aurora University (about $9,506 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois College than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois College students is 46.9% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($31,609 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. Illinois College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is the same as at Illinois College (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Illinois College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Illinois College 883/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Illinois College 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Illinois College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Illinois College students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Aurora University (3.56).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than Illinois College (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 8.2% at Illinois College.

Aurora University vs. Illinois College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and Illinois 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).

• Illinois College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Illinois College earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 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 Illinois College graduates ($22,337 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Illinois College graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Illinois College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Aurora University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.