Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Aurora, IL & Romeoville, IL
When students choose between Aurora University and Lewis University, they're comparing two private institutions serving Illinois's western suburbs with different strengths. Both emphasize health sciences and business programs, but Lewis delivers higher median earnings while Aurora demonstrates stronger institutional effectiveness by serving more low-income students.
The decision centers on career earnings potential versus accessibility and value-added outcomes for diverse student populations.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$20,318
federal loans
$21,500
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$19,500
borrowed by parents
$23,044
borrowed by parents
Aurora University is predominantly health-focused, with nursing (184 graduates), social work (141), and business administration (128) leading program offerings. Lewis University emphasizes business programs at 21% of graduates, but also produces strong numbers in nursing (121), criminal justice (109), and aviation (105).
Aurora's program mix shows 23% business and 6% education, while Lewis shows 21% business and 8% education. These similar concentrations in health and business help explain comparable career paths.
For students prioritizing maximum earning potential, Lewis University delivers $7,390 more in median earnings with manageable debt levels. Aurora University offers exceptional value for students from low-income backgrounds, achieving strong outcomes while serving 43% Pell recipients versus Lewis's 31%.
The data favors Lewis for raw earning power, but Aurora demonstrates superior institutional effectiveness by exceeding expectations for its student population. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize higher absolute earnings or attending an institution that adds more value relative to student demographics and accessibility.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
