Aurora University vs. University of Charleston

Comparable Facts

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

Aurora University is larger than University of Charleston based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 3,062 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); University of Charleston is in Charleston, WV (Small City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Charleston is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; University of Charleston 15:1.

Aurora University vs. University of Charleston Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston ($19,053 vs. $20,844).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Charleston are 9.6% lower than at Aurora University ($12,280 vs. $13,580).
• University of Charleston is 15.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $4,630 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.9% higher at University of Charleston than at Aurora University (about $4,630 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at University of Charleston (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 21.5% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($26,132 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. University of Charleston Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Charleston (1070) is 40 points higher than at Aurora University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at University of Charleston).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; University of Charleston 985/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; University of Charleston 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; University of Charleston - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at University of Charleston (3.13).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than University of Charleston (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 16.8% at University of Charleston.

Aurora University vs. University of Charleston Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and University of Charleston? 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).

• University of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from University of Charleston earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have a $1,837 lower median loan debt than Aurora University graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,337).
• Among borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Aurora University graduates ($211 vs. $230).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Charleston students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 58%)

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.