Students at Aurora University benefit from earnings that substantially exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $16,681 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
This earnings advantage, combined with accessible admissions and strong support for first-generation students, creates meaningful opportunities for diverse learners seeking career-focused education.
Aurora University is a mid-sized private nonprofit institution in Illinois that delivers above-average return on investment for its graduates. Located in Aurora, the university serves a diverse student body with 43% receiving Pell Grants and 46% being first-generation college students, demonstrating strong commitment to access and opportunity. Despite this broad accessibility, Aurora graduates achieve median earnings of $58,709 ten years after enrollment, with many earning substantially more than similar students at comparable institutions.
The university's strength lies in its professional programs, particularly nursing, social work, and business, which prepare students for stable, well-paying careers. Aurora's 58% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, but those who complete their degrees see meaningful financial returns. The institution falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, indicating it serves many students who need additional support while still delivering solid outcomes for those who persist.
As a private university with moderate net prices and strong earnings outcomes, Aurora University represents a middle-ground option for families seeking personalized education with clear career pathways. The combination of accessible admissions, diverse student body, and professional program strength makes it particularly valuable for students who want the benefits of private education without the premium pricing of highly selective institutions.
Aurora University's program portfolio centers on practical, career-oriented fields that prepare students for immediate employment and long-term advancement. The nursing program stands out as both the largest and most successful, graduating 184 students annually with median earnings of $62,661, creating substantial aggregate value for the institution. This program exemplifies Aurora's strength in health sciences, where strong employer demand translates into reliable career outcomes for graduates.
Social work represents Aurora's second-largest program with 141 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $32,925, reflecting the service-oriented nature of these careers. The university's commitment to social services aligns with its mission of serving diverse student populations and addressing community needs. Business and finance programs also perform well, with banking and financial services graduates earning $48,682, demonstrating Aurora's ability to prepare students for private sector careers.
The program mix reflects Aurora's practical approach to higher education, emphasizing fields with clear career pathways and stable employment prospects. While some liberal arts programs like general psychology show lower early earnings at $28,816, the overall portfolio demonstrates the university's focus on workforce preparation and professional development across multiple sectors.
Aurora University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $58,709 ten years after enrollment. What makes these results particularly impressive is that graduates earn approximately $16,681 more than similar students at other institutions, representing one of the strongest earnings advantages among comparable universities. This earnings premium reflects the university's focus on career-oriented programs and practical preparation that translates directly into workplace success.
The university's highest returns come from its nursing program, which graduates 184 students annually with median earnings of $62,661, making it both the largest and most financially successful program. Social work, while producing lower individual earnings at $32,925, represents the university's second-largest program with 141 graduates, reflecting Aurora's commitment to service-oriented careers. Business and finance programs also perform well, with banking and financial services graduates earning $48,682 early in their careers.
Aurora's program mix emphasizes practical, professional fields that lead directly to employment. The university's strength in health sciences, social services, and business creates multiple pathways for students to achieve solid middle-class earnings. While some programs like general psychology show more modest early earnings at $28,816, the overall portfolio demonstrates Aurora's focus on career preparation and workforce readiness across diverse fields.
Aurora University maintains relatively accessible pricing for a private institution, with net costs varying significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay approximately $13,980 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $16,984 per year, and higher-income families pay about $25,042. This sliding scale approach helps make private education more accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds, though costs remain higher than typical public university alternatives.
The university's financial aid strategy appears designed to support access while maintaining sustainability. The significant difference between low-income and high-income net prices suggests robust need-based aid that helps level the playing field for Pell-eligible students. For many families, the moderate premium over public university costs may be justified by Aurora's smaller class sizes, personalized attention, and strong career services that contribute to the earnings advantages graduates experience.
Debt levels at Aurora are manageable relative to the earnings outcomes graduates achieve. With median earnings approaching $59,000 ten years out and the substantial earnings premium over similar institutions, most graduates should be able to service their educational investments comfortably while building long-term financial security.
Aurora University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
