Aurora University vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Aurora University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 5,923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

Aurora University vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than Aurora University ($13,473 vs. $19,053).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 9.1% lower than at Aurora University ($12,341 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 118.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $15,836 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 118.8% higher at Aurora University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $15,836 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 58.1% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($21,513 vs. $13,610).

Aurora University vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is the same as at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

Aurora University vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and Southern Illinois 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).

• The graduation rate at Aurora University is the same as at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (44% vs. 44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $163 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($22,337 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($230 vs. $232).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 51%)

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.