Aurora University vs. Wartburg College

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Wartburg College in Waverly, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Aurora University is larger than Wartburg College based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 1,483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Wartburg College is in Waverly, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wartburg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Wartburg College 13:1.

Aurora University vs. Wartburg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University or Wartburg College? 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 Wartburg College ($19,053 vs. $24,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wartburg College are 13.5% lower than at Aurora University ($11,750 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 11.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wartburg College (about $2,920 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.1% higher at Aurora University than at Wartburg College (about $2,920 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Wartburg College (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wartburg College students is 87.5% larger than aid received by Aurora University students ($40,336 vs. $21,513).

Aurora University vs. Wartburg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wartburg College (1070) is 40 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 Wartburg College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Wartburg College 930/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Wartburg College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Wartburg College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Wartburg College (3.48).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than Wartburg College (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 16.6% at Wartburg College.

Aurora University vs. Wartburg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University and Wartburg College? 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).

• Wartburg College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Aurora University's (44%).
• Graduates from Wartburg College earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Aurora University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 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 Wartburg College graduates ($22,337 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wartburg College graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Wartburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Aurora University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 63%)

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.