Aurora University vs. GSU

Aurora University and Governors State University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Aurora University
Governors State University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: GSU (48.3% admitted vs 80.9%). Typical SAT 950 vs 1030.
  • Cheaper after aid: GSU. Average net price is $12,756 vs $19,053 at Aurora University.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Aurora University $42,900 vs GSU $42,600 (median).
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Key differences

Aurora University Governors State University
Acceptance rate
GSU more selective
Aurora University80.9%
GSU48.3%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Aurora University higher
Aurora University900-1150
GSU830-1060
Average net price
GSU $6,297 less
Aurora University$19,053
GSU$12,756
In-state tuition
GSU $17,166 less
Aurora University$29,170
GSU$12,004
Out-of-state tuition
GSU $17,166 less
Aurora University$29,170
GSU$12,004
Graduation rate
Aurora University +44 pts
Aurora University44%
GSU-
Median earnings (10 years)
Aurora University +$300
Aurora University$42,900
GSU$42,600

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Aurora University 5,384
  • GSU 2,944
  • Admitted
  • Aurora University 4,353
  • GSU 1,421
  • Acceptance rate
  • Aurora University 80.9%
  • GSU 48.3%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Aurora University 15.6%
  • GSU 16.8%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Aurora University 1030
  • GSU 950
  • Typical ACT score
  • Aurora University 25
  • GSU
  • Average high school GPA
  • Aurora University 3.56
  • GSU 4.0
  • Typical high school grades
  • Aurora University A-
  • GSU A/A+
  • Admissions standards
  • Aurora University Moderate
  • GSU Extremely Easy
  • Applicant competition
  • Aurora University
  • GSU Low
  • SAT range
  • Aurora University 900-1150
  • GSU 830-1060
  • ACT range
  • Aurora University 21-29
  • GSU
  • Submit test scores
  • Aurora University Test optional
  • GSU Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Aurora University
  • GSU Apr 1, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Aurora University $29,170
  • GSU $12,004
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Aurora University $29,170
  • GSU $12,004
  • Room & board
  • Aurora University $13,580
  • GSU $11,736
  • Average net price
  • Aurora University $19,053
  • GSU $12,756
  • Average grant aid
  • Aurora University $21,513
  • GSU $11,455
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Aurora University 99%
  • GSU 81%
  • Graduation rate
  • Aurora University 44%
  • GSU -
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Aurora University $42,900
  • GSU $42,600
  • Making student loan payments
  • Aurora University 63%
  • GSU 48%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Aurora University $22,337
  • GSU $17,250
  • Median loan payment
  • Aurora University $230
  • GSU $178
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Aurora University 18:1
  • GSU 11:1
  • Popular majors
  • Aurora University
    • Business (26%)
    • Health Professions (20%)
    • Education (16%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (7%)
    • Human Services (7%)
  • GSU
  • Location
  • Aurora University Aurora, IL
  • GSU University Park, IL
  • Setting
  • Aurora University Large Suburban
  • GSU Rural Fringe
  • Total enrollment
  • Aurora University 5,923
  • GSU 4,397
  • Type
  • Aurora University Private 4 Year
  • GSU Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Aurora University #734
  • GSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Governors State University in University Park, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Aurora University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 4,397 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Governors State University is in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
  • Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Governors State University 11:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 13.6% lower than at Aurora University ($11,736 vs. $13,580).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 143% higher at Aurora University than at Governors State University (about $17,166 more per year; $29,170 vs. $12,004).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Governors State University (99% vs. 81%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 87.8% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($21,513 vs. $11,455).

Admissions details

  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Aurora University and GSU.
  • Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at GSU average a 4.0 high school GPA, 0.44 higher than at Aurora University (3.56).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 16.8% at GSU.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $5,087 lower median loan debt than Aurora University graduates ($17,250 vs. $22,337).
  • Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Aurora University graduates ($178 vs. $230).
  • More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation (63% vs. 48%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

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