Aurora University vs. Spalding

Comparable Facts

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

Aurora University is larger than Spalding based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 1,553 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Spalding University is in Louisville, KY (Large City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Spalding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Spalding University 9:1.

Aurora University vs. Spalding Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or Spalding? 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 Spalding ($19,053 vs. $25,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spalding University are 28.5% lower than at Aurora University ($9,710 vs. $13,580).
• Spalding University is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $30 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at Spalding than at Aurora University (about $30 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spalding University than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 10.7% larger than aid received by Spalding University students ($21,513 vs. $19,429).

Aurora University vs. Spalding Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is 70 points higher than at Spalding (960).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 18 at Spalding).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Spalding University 875/1038.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Spalding University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Spalding - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Spalding students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Aurora University (3.56).
• Spalding has a higher acceptance rate (99.4%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 15.6% at Spalding.

Aurora University vs. Spalding Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and Spalding? 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 Spalding University's (42%).
• Graduates from Spalding University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 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 Spalding graduates ($22,337 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Spalding graduates ($230 vs. $258).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Spalding students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 44%)

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.