Aurora University vs. St. Kate's

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with St Catherine University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Aurora University is larger than St. Kate's based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 3,651 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Aurora University vs. St. Kate's Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or St. Kate's? 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. Kate's ($19,053 vs. $20,918).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at St Catherine University are 10.3% lower than at Aurora University ($12,188 vs. $13,580).
• St Catherine University is 76.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $22,284 more per year; $51,454.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.4% higher at St. Kate's than at Aurora University (about $22,284 more per year; $51,454.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at St Catherine University than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by St Catherine University students is 86.4% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($40,092 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. St. Kate's Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Aurora University or St. Kate's? 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. Kate's and Aurora University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is 30 points higher than at St. Kate's (1000).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at St. Kate's).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; St Catherine University 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; St Catherine University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; St. Kate's - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman St. Kate's students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Aurora University (3.56).
• St. Kate's has a higher acceptance rate (91.8%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 18.8% at St. Kate's.

Aurora University vs. St. Kate's Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and St. Kate's? 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).

• St Catherine University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from St Catherine University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $5,663 lower median loan debt than St. Kate's graduates ($22,337 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Kate's graduates ($230 vs. $289).
• More St. Kate's graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Aurora University students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.