Aurora University vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Illinois University is larger than Aurora University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 5,923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Aurora University vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or Western 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 Western Illinois University than Aurora University ($14,208 vs. $19,053).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 16.6% lower than at Aurora University ($11,320 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 91.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $13,906 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 91.1% higher at Aurora University than at Western Illinois University (about $13,906 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Western Illinois University (99% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 43.5% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($21,513 vs. $14,994).

Aurora University vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Aurora University vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and Western 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).

• Western Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $2,367 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($22,337 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($230 vs. $255).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 61%)

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.