Aurora University vs. MIAD

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Aurora University is larger than MIAD based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 838 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design 11:1.

Aurora University vs. MIAD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or MIAD? 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 MIAD ($19,053 vs. $27,579).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design are 19.3% lower than at Aurora University ($10,955 vs. $13,580).
• Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is 50% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $14,573 more per year; $43,743.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50% higher at MIAD than at Aurora University (about $14,573 more per year; $43,743.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design students is 20.9% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($26,015 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. MIAD Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (1040) is 10 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 MIAD).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design 940/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; MIAD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MIAD Aug 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at MIAD (3.08).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than MIAD (60.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 33.2% at MIAD.

Aurora University vs. MIAD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Aurora University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than MIAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,900 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $4,663 lower median loan debt than MIAD graduates ($22,337 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MIAD graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MIAD students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 59%)

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.