Aurora University vs. KWC

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Aurora University is larger than KWC based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 887 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Kentucky Wesleyan College is in Owensboro, KY (Small City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kentucky Wesleyan College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Kentucky Wesleyan College 15:1.

Aurora University vs. KWC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or KWC? 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 KWC ($19,053 vs. $20,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kentucky Wesleyan College are 12.7% lower than at Aurora University ($11,855 vs. $13,580).
• Kentucky Wesleyan College is 18.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $5,503 more per year; $34,673.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.9% higher at KWC than at Aurora University (about $5,503 more per year; $34,673.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kentucky Wesleyan College than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kentucky Wesleyan College students is 18.7% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($25,538 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. KWC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Aurora University or KWC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between KWC and Aurora University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is 20 points higher than at KWC (1010).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 19 at KWC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Aurora University 900/1150; Kentucky Wesleyan College 890/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Aurora University 21/29; Kentucky Wesleyan College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; KWC - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman Aurora University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at KWC (3.3).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than KWC (71.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 17.7% at KWC.

Aurora University vs. KWC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and KWC? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• The graduation rate at Aurora University is the same as at Kentucky Wesleyan College (44% vs. 44%).
• Graduates from Aurora University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than KWC graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,900 vs. $38,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $570 lower median loan debt than KWC graduates ($22,337 vs. $22,907).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than KWC graduates ($230 vs. $236).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KWC students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 54%)

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.