Aurora University vs. IWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Indiana Wesleyan University Marion in Marion, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Aurora University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 2,204 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Aurora University vs. IWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or IWU? 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 IWU ($19,053 vs. $23,402).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion are 20% lower than at Aurora University ($10,868 vs. $13,580).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $3,182 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.9% higher at IWU than at Aurora University (about $3,182 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 0.5% larger than aid received by Indiana Wesleyan University Marion students ($21,513 vs. $21,405).

Aurora University vs. IWU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion (1070) is 40 points higher than at Aurora University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at IWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 960/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; IWU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Aurora University (3.56).
• IWU has a higher acceptance rate (88.9%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 17% at IWU.

Aurora University vs. IWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Indiana Wesleyan University Marion earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $1,767 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($22,337 vs. $24,104).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($230 vs. $249).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IWU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 55%)

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.