Aurora University vs. St. Ambrose University

Comparable Facts

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

Aurora University is larger than St. Ambrose University based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 2,498 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Saint Ambrose University is in Davenport, IA (Small City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Ambrose University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Saint Ambrose University 11:1.

Aurora University vs. St. Ambrose University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University ($19,053 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Ambrose University are 1.5% lower than at Aurora University ($13,378 vs. $13,580).
• Saint Ambrose University is 25.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $7,488 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.7% higher at St. Ambrose University than at Aurora University (about $7,488 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Ambrose University than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 20.3% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($25,877 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. St. Ambrose University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Ambrose University (1050) is 20 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 St. Ambrose University ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Saint Ambrose University 930/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Saint Ambrose University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; St. Ambrose University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at St. Ambrose University (3.39).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than St. Ambrose University (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 16.7% at St. Ambrose University .

Aurora University vs. St. Ambrose University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and St. Ambrose 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).

• Saint Ambrose University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $3,427 lower median loan debt than St. Ambrose University graduates ($22,337 vs. $25,764).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Ambrose University graduates ($230 vs. $266).
• More St. Ambrose University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Aurora University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 63%)

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.