Aurora University vs. CMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Aurora University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 5,923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Central Michigan University is in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Central Michigan University 16:1.

Aurora University vs. CMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or CMU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Central Michigan University than Aurora University ($17,575 vs. $19,053).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 7.5% lower than at Aurora University ($12,564 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 97.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $14,410 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.6% higher at Aurora University than at Central Michigan University (about $14,410 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Central Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 65% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($21,513 vs. $13,042).

Aurora University vs. CMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Aurora University or CMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between CMU and Aurora University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 50 points higher than at Aurora University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at CMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Central Michigan University 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Central Michigan University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; CMU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at CMU (3.47).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 11.3% at CMU.

Aurora University vs. CMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and CMU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Central Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $42,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $4,663 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($22,337 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.