Aurora University vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Aurora University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 5,923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Illinois State University is in Normal, IL (Small City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Illinois State University 19:1.

Aurora University vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or ISU? 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 ISU ($19,053 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 13.4% lower than at Aurora University ($11,754 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 80.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $13,026 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.4% higher at Aurora University than at Illinois State University (about $960 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Illinois State University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 65.8% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($21,513 vs. $12,974).

Aurora University vs. ISU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 70 points higher than at Aurora University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at ISU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Illinois State University 990/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Illinois State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; ISU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 22.5% at ISU.

Aurora University vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and ISU? 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 State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $337 lower median loan debt than Aurora University graduates ($22,000 vs. $22,337).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Aurora University graduates ($227 vs. $230).
• More ISU 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.