Aurora University vs. NKU

Aurora University and Northern Kentucky University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Aurora University
Northern Kentucky University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: NKU (67.6% admitted vs 80.9%). Typical SAT 1050 vs 1030.
  • Cheaper after aid: NKU. Average net price is $9,211 vs $19,053 at Aurora University.
  • Graduation: Aurora University 44% vs NKU 37%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Aurora University $42,900 vs NKU $39,700 (median).
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Key differences

Aurora University Northern Kentucky University
Acceptance rate
NKU more selective
Aurora University80.9%
NKU67.6%
SAT range (middle 50%)
NKU higher
Aurora University900-1150
NKU953-1150
Average net price
NKU $9,842 less
Aurora University$19,053
NKU$9,211
In-state tuition
NKU $18,082 less
Aurora University$29,170
NKU$11,088
Out-of-state tuition
NKU $7,258 less
Aurora University$29,170
NKU$21,912
Graduation rate
Aurora University +7 pts
Aurora University44%
NKU37%
Median earnings (10 years)
Aurora University +$3,200
Aurora University$42,900
NKU$39,700

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Aurora University 5,384
  • NKU 6,058
  • Admitted
  • Aurora University 4,353
  • NKU 4,098
  • Acceptance rate
  • Aurora University 80.9%
  • NKU 67.6%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Aurora University 15.6%
  • NKU 36.8%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Aurora University 1030
  • NKU 1050
  • Typical ACT score
  • Aurora University 25
  • NKU 21
  • Average high school GPA
  • Aurora University 3.56
  • NKU 3.42
  • Typical high school grades
  • Aurora University A-
  • NKU B+
  • Admissions standards
  • Aurora University Moderate
  • NKU Very Easy
  • Applicant competition
  • Aurora University
  • NKU Low
  • SAT range
  • Aurora University 900-1150
  • NKU 953-1150
  • ACT range
  • Aurora University 21-29
  • NKU 18-25
  • Submit test scores
  • Aurora University Test optional
  • NKU Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Aurora University
  • NKU Aug 15, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Aurora University $29,170
  • NKU $11,088
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Aurora University $29,170
  • NKU $21,912
  • Room & board
  • Aurora University $13,580
  • NKU $12,712
  • Average net price
  • Aurora University $19,053
  • NKU $9,211
  • Average grant aid
  • Aurora University $21,513
  • NKU $10,332
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Aurora University 99%
  • NKU 98%
  • Graduation rate
  • Aurora University 44%
  • NKU 37%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Aurora University $42,900
  • NKU $39,700
  • Making student loan payments
  • Aurora University 63%
  • NKU 53%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Aurora University $22,337
  • NKU $24,950
  • Median loan payment
  • Aurora University $230
  • NKU $257
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Aurora University 18:1
  • NKU 19:1
  • Popular majors
  • Aurora University
    • Business (26%)
    • Health Professions (20%)
    • Education (16%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (7%)
    • Human Services (7%)
  • NKU
    • Business (26%)
    • Health Professions (11%)
    • Education (9%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (7%)
    • Social Sciences (6%)
  • Location
  • Aurora University Aurora, IL
  • NKU Highland Heights, KY
  • Setting
  • Aurora University Large Suburban
  • NKU Large Suburban
  • Total enrollment
  • Aurora University 5,923
  • NKU 15,347
  • Type
  • Aurora University Private 4 Year
  • NKU Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Aurora University #734
  • NKU #854

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Aurora University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 5,923 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
  • Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 6.4% lower than at Aurora University ($12,712 vs. $13,580).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 33.1% higher at Aurora University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $7,258 more per year; $29,170 vs. $21,912).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Northern Kentucky University (99% vs. 98%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 108.2% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($21,513 vs. $10,332).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 4 points higher at Aurora University than at NKU (25 vs. 21, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Aurora University and NKU.
  • Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Aurora University average a 3.56 high school GPA, 0.14 higher than at NKU (3.42).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $2,613 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($22,337 vs. $24,950).
  • Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($230 vs. $257).
  • More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation (63% vs. 53%).

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

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