Aurora University vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Northwood University in Midland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Aurora University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Northwood University 14:1.

Aurora University vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or Northwood University? 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 Northwood University ($19,053 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwood University are 3.5% lower than at Aurora University ($13,100 vs. $13,580).
• Northwood University is 17.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $5,230 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.9% higher at Northwood University than at Aurora University (about $5,230 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Northwood University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 8.5% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($23,349 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 30 points higher than at Aurora University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

Aurora University vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Northwood University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $562 lower median loan debt than Aurora University graduates ($21,775 vs. $22,337).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Aurora University graduates ($225 vs. $230).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University 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.