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Aurora University vs Illinois College

Aurora University is a private university in Aurora, IL. Illinois College is a private college in Jacksonville, IL. Illinois College admits about 78% of applicants and Aurora University about 81%, making Illinois College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,298 a year at Illinois College after aid, and about $18,838 at Aurora University. About 63% of students graduate at Illinois College, compared with 59% at Aurora University. Ten years after enrolling, Aurora University alumni earn a median of about $58,709, against $52,575 for Illinois College.

Aurora University

Aurora, IL · Private

Illinois College

Jacksonville, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Aurora, IL
Jacksonville, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,974
930
Acceptance rate
81%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.33–3.83
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1150
883–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
19–26
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,838
$18,298
Full cost / yr
$40,625
$48,955
In-state tuition
$29,170
$38,676
Out-of-state tuition
$29,170
$38,676
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,525
$12,487
$30k - $48k
$14,089
$10,910
$48k - $75k
$15,431
$12,569
$75k - $110k
$19,300
$16,826
Over $110k
$24,595
$25,788
Outcomes
Graduation rate
59%
63%
Freshman retention
77%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,237
$40,110
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,709
$52,575
Median debt at graduation
$20,318
$25,565
Student body
Pell grant recipients
45%
38%
First-generation students
46%
31%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
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 Illinois College harder to get into?
Illinois College is harder to get into. It admits about 78% 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 Illinois College?
Illinois College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,298 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 Illinois College?
Before aid, Aurora University costs about $40,625 a year and Illinois College about $48,955. 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 Illinois College?
Illinois College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,487 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 Illinois College?
Aurora University is the larger of the two, with about 3,974 undergraduates against 930 at Illinois College.
Does Aurora University or Illinois College have a better graduation rate?
Illinois College has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 59% at Aurora University.
Do graduates of Aurora University or Illinois College earn more?
Aurora University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,709 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,575 for Illinois College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Aurora University and Illinois College require SAT or ACT scores?
Aurora University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Illinois College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Aurora University and Illinois College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1150 at Aurora University and 883–1180 at Illinois College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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