Aurora University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Michigan University is larger than Aurora University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 5,923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Aurora University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or WMU? 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 Michigan University than Aurora University ($17,331 vs. $19,053).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 10.4% lower than at Aurora University ($12,174 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 91.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $13,918 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.3% higher at Aurora University than at Western Michigan University (about $10,136 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Western Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 94.7% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($21,513 vs. $11,048).

Aurora University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 80 points higher than at Aurora University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at WMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Aurora University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and WMU? 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 Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $4,296 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($22,337 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($230 vs. $275).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 54%)

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.