Aurora University combines accessible admission with exceptional value creation, generating earnings $16,680 above expectations while serving 43.5% Pell-eligible students. The institution's well above average return performance demonstrates meaningful economic advancement for graduates from diverse backgrounds.
With well above average recognition, driven by strong earnings relative to educational investment
With above average recognition, indicating reasonable cost structures relative to outcomes achieved
Above-average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students through open admission practices
The institution's focus on access combined with moderate mobility outcomes for graduates
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisAurora University delivers exceptional value through earnings that significantly exceed expectations for its student population. Graduates earn $16,680 beyond predicted outcomes, ranking at the 92.5th percentile nationally and achieving top-tier performance status.
This value creation occurs alongside manageable debt levels of $20,318, which falls above average compared to peer institutions but maintains a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35. The institution's financial aid program reduces costs from a $39,232 sticker price to an average net price of $18,992, representing $20,240 in financial aid savings.
Students seeking strong outcomes despite open admissions, particularly those interested in health professions, business, or criminal justice. Well-suited for first-generation students (45.7%) and Pell-eligible students (43.5%) who want accessible admission with earnings that exceed expectations.
Aurora University's combination of high acceptance rates and top-tier value performance makes it ideal for students prioritizing outcomes over selectivity.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
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.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the Aurora University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/aurora-university/analysis.
Top-tier value with open access
Aurora University leads with access performance at the 77.2nd percentile while maintaining well above average return outcomes at the 81.1st percentile. Located in Aurora, Illinois, this medium-sized private nonprofit institution combines open admission standards with an 85.1% acceptance rate alongside strong post-graduation earnings performance.
Aurora University enrolls 43.5% Pell-eligible students and 45.7% first-generation students, reflecting its commitment to serving diverse student populations. Graduates earn $16,680 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 92.5th percentile nationally and achieving top-tier performance in value creation.
Median earnings reach $58,709 ten years after enrollment, placing Aurora University above average at the 68th percentile for long-term outcomes. The institution's Under-Resourced classification reflects the combination of serving high-need student populations while delivering meaningful economic advancement, positioning Aurora University as an institution that transforms access into opportunity for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
184 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
30 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
128 graduates
Corrections Administration.
67 graduates
Digital Marketing.
45 graduates
Aurora University offers 14 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome assessment. Adult Health Nursing ranks as the flagship program, graduating 184 students with median earnings of $69,679 and ranking #165 nationally.
Forensic Social Work demonstrates exceptional value with a 98.4 value score, ranking #37 nationally and #2 in Illinois while graduating 141 students earning $45,232. Business Administration and Management serves 128 graduates annually with $59,359 median earnings and ranks #124 nationally.
Corrections Administration achieves remarkable national recognition at #4 with a 98.4 value score, graduating 67 students earning $58,259. Psychology serves 60 graduates with $45,688 earnings and ranks #150 nationally.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates 56 students annually, while Adult and Continuing Education serves 48 graduates earning $44,167. These programs reflect Aurora University's strength in professional preparation fields that translate directly to career advancement opportunities.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fresno Pacific University Similar quality tier (#339 ranked) | CA | 58% | $58,896 | #339 | Compare |
University Of San Diego Similar quality tier (#335 ranked) | CA | 47% | $86,522 | #335 | Compare |
New York Institute Of Technology Similar quality tier (#340 ranked) | NY | 78% | $70,080 | #340 | Compare |
Middlebury College Similar quality tier (#345 ranked) | VT | 10% | $76,310 | #345 | Compare |
Villanova University Similar quality tier (#325 ranked) | PA | 25% | $100,423 | #325 | Compare |
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Aurora University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression and strong long-term outcomes relative to expectations. Median earnings grow from $51,237 at six years to $54,510 at eight years and $58,709 at ten years after enrollment, representing 14.6% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts of 1,721 six-year graduates, 1,529 eight-year graduates, and 1,420 ten-year graduates, providing high confidence in reported earnings figures. The institution generates $16,680 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 92.5th percentile nationally for value creation and earning top-tier performance recognition.
Low-income graduates earn $39,000, reflecting the challenges faced by students from disadvantaged backgrounds but still representing meaningful economic advancement. Earnings span from $41,124 at the 25th percentile to $82,940 at the 75th percentile, indicating significant variation in post-graduation career trajectories.
Approximately 30.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, suggesting balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways. The combination of steady growth, strong value creation, and diverse post-graduation paths positions Aurora University graduates for sustained economic progress.
