Aurora University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Aurora University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 5,923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Aurora University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or WKU? 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 Kentucky University than Aurora University ($12,548 vs. $19,053).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 7.3% lower than at Aurora University ($12,582 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 150.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $17,518 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8% higher at Aurora University than at Western Kentucky University (about $2,170 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University as at Western Kentucky University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 97% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($21,513 vs. $10,921).

Aurora University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aurora University (1030) is 80 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Aurora University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and WKU? 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 Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Aurora University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,900 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $1,913 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($22,337 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($230 vs. $250).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 47%)

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.