Aurora University vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Aurora University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 5,923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Northern Illinois University is in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Northern Illinois University 15:1.

Aurora University vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or Northern Illinois? 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 Northern Illinois University than Aurora University ($14,243 vs. $19,053).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Aurora University are 4.1% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($13,580 vs. $14,160).
• Aurora University is 120.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $15,922 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 120.2% higher at Aurora University than at Northern Illinois University (about $15,922 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Northern Illinois University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 49.5% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($21,513 vs. $14,387).

Aurora University vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 30 points higher than at Aurora University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Northern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Northern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 12.1% at Northern Illinois.

Aurora University vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and Northern Illinois? 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).

• Northern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $1,522 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($22,337 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($230 vs. $246).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 61%)

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.