Aurora University
Aurora University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Aurora University at a Glance
Aurora University (AU) is a private university in Aurora, Illinois, United States. Established in 1893 as a seminary of the Advent Christian Church, the university has been independent since 1971. Approximately 6,200 students are enrolled in the university's undergraduate and graduate programs. It was a women's college from 1893 until 1960.
1893
133 years old
5,923
4,106 undergrad · 1,817 grad
40 acres
Identity
Is Aurora University Worth It?
Aurora University offers moderate value at $18,838/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $58,709, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 59% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Aurora University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IL
Ranked #13 of 68 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #2 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #6 | Lewis University | 63 | $17,028 | $66,099 |
| #13 | Aurora University | 46 | $18,838 | $58,709 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Aurora University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in IL.
Best Programs at Aurora University
The highest-earning program at Aurora University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $60,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health/Medical Preparatory Programs at $22,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Aurora University earns $60,900, while a Health/Medical Preparatory Programs graduate earns $22,600. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $22,500 in median debt vs. $24,750 for Health/Medical Preparatory Programs.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,838/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $60,900 | $60,900 | $22,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $47,000 | $47,000 | $23,516 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $44,900 | $44,900 | $23,291 |
| Marketing | $42,300 | $42,300 | $18,562 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,000 | $40,000 | $24,006 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,200 | $32,200 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $32,000 | $32,000 | $21,531 |
| Social Work | $30,700 | $30,700 | $22,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $29,200 | $29,200 | $24,062 |
| Biology, General | $27,600 | $27,600 | $25,900 |
| Psychology, General | $27,400 | $27,400 | $19,887 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $22,600 | $22,600 | $24,750 |
Similar Colleges in IL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Aurora, IL
- Student Body
- 3,974 students
- Admission Rate
- 81%
- Graduation Rate
- 59%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,838
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,709
- Median Student Debt
- $20,318