Aurora University vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Aurora University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Charleston Southern University is in Charleston, SC (Small City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Charleston Southern University 12:1.

Aurora University vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or CSU? 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 Aurora University than CSU ($19,053 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 10.2% lower than at Aurora University ($12,200 vs. $13,580).
• Charleston Southern University is 11.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Aurora University (about $3,350 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.5% higher at CSU than at Aurora University (about $3,350 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $29,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Charleston Southern University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 8% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($23,240 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. CSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Aurora University or CSU? 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 CSU and Aurora University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Aurora University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; CSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Aurora University (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 17.7% at CSU.

Aurora University vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and CSU? 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).

• Aurora University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Aurora University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,900 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $4,663 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($22,337 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 50%)

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.