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Aurora University vs University of Illinois Chicago

Aurora University is a private university in Aurora, IL, and University of Illinois Chicago is a public university in Chicago, IL. University of Illinois Chicago is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 81% at Aurora University. University of Illinois Chicago is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,974 a year against $18,838 at Aurora University. About 61% of students graduate at University of Illinois Chicago, compared with 59% at Aurora University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Illinois Chicago alumni earn a median of about $68,740, against $58,709 for Aurora University.

Aurora University

Aurora, IL · Private

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Aurora, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,974
22,170
Acceptance rate
81%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.33–3.83
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1150
1130–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
25–31
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,838
$10,974
Full cost / yr
$40,625
$27,521
In-state tuition
$29,170
$14,338
Out-of-state tuition
$29,170
$29,884
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,525
$7,529
$30k - $48k
$14,089
$8,119
$48k - $75k
$15,431
$10,921
$75k - $110k
$19,300
$16,185
Over $110k
$24,595
$25,047
Outcomes
Graduation rate
59%
61%
Freshman retention
77%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,237
$53,218
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,709
$68,740
Median debt at graduation
$20,318
$16,704
Student body
Pell grant recipients
45%
49%
First-generation students
46%
44%
International students
1%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 2
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

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 University of Illinois Chicago harder to get into?
University of Illinois Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 77% 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 University of Illinois Chicago?
University of Illinois Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,974 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 University of Illinois Chicago?
Before aid, University of Illinois Chicago costs about $27,521 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 University of Illinois Chicago?
University of Illinois Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,529 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 University of Illinois Chicago?
University of Illinois Chicago is the larger of the two, with about 22,170 undergraduates against 3,974 at Aurora University.
Does Aurora University or University of Illinois Chicago have a better graduation rate?
University of Illinois Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 61% against 59% at Aurora University.
Do graduates of Aurora University or University of Illinois Chicago earn more?
University of Illinois Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,740 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,709 for Aurora University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Aurora University and University of Illinois Chicago require SAT or ACT scores?
Aurora University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Illinois Chicago is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Aurora University and University of Illinois Chicago look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1150 at Aurora University and 1130–1350 at University of Illinois Chicago. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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