Aurora University vs. Rockford University

Comparable Facts

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

Aurora University is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Rockford University is in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Rockford University 10:1.

Aurora University vs. Rockford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or Rockford 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 Rockford University ($19,053 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 15.9% lower than at Aurora University ($11,420 vs. $13,580).
• Rockford University is 29.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $8,610 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.5% higher at Rockford University than at Aurora University (about $8,610 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Rockford University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 19.3% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($25,671 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. Rockford University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is 70 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Rockford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Rockford University 850/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Rockford University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Rockford University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 13.4% at Rockford University.

Aurora University vs. Rockford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and Rockford 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).

• Aurora University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $2,663 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($22,337 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($230 vs. $258).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rockford University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 60%)

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.