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Aurora University vs Chicago State University

Aurora University is a private university in Aurora, IL. Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL. Chicago State University admits about 43% of applicants and Aurora University about 81%, making Chicago State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,335 a year at Chicago State University after aid, and about $18,838 at Aurora University. About 59% of students graduate at Aurora University, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, Aurora University alumni earn a median of about $58,709, against $42,778 for Chicago State University.

Aurora University

Aurora, IL · Private

Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Aurora, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,974
1,384
Acceptance rate
81%
43%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.33–3.83
3.2–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1150
750–963
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
15–19
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,838
$12,335
Full cost / yr
$40,625
$29,764
In-state tuition
$29,170
$12,754
Out-of-state tuition
$29,170
$12,754
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,525
$9,073
$30k - $48k
$14,089
$9,550
$48k - $75k
$15,431
$11,334
$75k - $110k
$19,300
$13,899
Over $110k
$24,595
$28,427
Outcomes
Graduation rate
59%
16%
Freshman retention
77%
57%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,237
$33,805
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,709
$42,778
Median debt at graduation
$20,318
$30,625
Student body
Pell grant recipients
45%
58%
First-generation students
46%
42%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Aurora University or Chicago State University harder to get into?
Chicago State University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 81% at Aurora University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Aurora University or Chicago State University?
Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,838 at Aurora University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Aurora University and Chicago State University?
Before aid, Chicago State University costs about $29,764 a year and Aurora University about $40,625. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Aurora University or Chicago State University?
Chicago State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,073 there, against about $14,525 at Aurora University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Aurora University or Chicago State University?
Aurora University is the larger of the two, with about 3,974 undergraduates against 1,384 at Chicago State University.
Does Aurora University or Chicago State University have a better graduation rate?
Aurora University has the higher graduation rate, at about 59% against 16% at Chicago State University.
Do graduates of Aurora University or Chicago State University earn more?
Aurora University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,709 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,778 for Chicago State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Aurora University and Chicago State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Aurora University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Aurora University and Chicago State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1150 at Aurora University and 750–963 at Chicago State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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