Aurora University vs. WKU

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

Aurora University
Western Kentucky University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Aurora University (80.9% admitted vs 93.9%). Typical SAT 1030 vs 950.
  • Cheaper after aid: WKU. Average net price is $12,548 vs $19,053 at Aurora University.
  • Graduation: Aurora University 44% vs WKU 50%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Aurora University $42,900 vs WKU $37,100 (median).
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Key differences

Aurora University Western Kentucky University
Acceptance rate
Aurora University more selective
Aurora University80.9%
WKU93.9%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Aurora University higher
Aurora University900-1150
WKU840-1050
Average net price
WKU $6,505 less
Aurora University$19,053
WKU$12,548
In-state tuition
WKU $17,518 less
Aurora University$29,170
WKU$11,652
Out-of-state tuition
WKU $2,170 less
Aurora University$29,170
WKU$27,000
Graduation rate
WKU +6 pts
Aurora University44%
WKU50%
Median earnings (10 years)
Aurora University +$5,800
Aurora University$42,900
WKU$37,100

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Aurora University 5,384
  • WKU 9,840
  • Admitted
  • Aurora University 4,353
  • WKU 9,237
  • Acceptance rate
  • Aurora University 80.9%
  • WKU 93.9%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Aurora University 15.6%
  • WKU 30.2%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Aurora University 1030
  • WKU 950
  • Typical ACT score
  • Aurora University 25
  • WKU 18
  • Average high school GPA
  • Aurora University 3.56
  • WKU 3.42
  • Typical high school grades
  • Aurora University A-
  • WKU B+
  • Admissions standards
  • Aurora University Moderate
  • WKU Extremely Easy
  • Applicant competition
  • Aurora University
  • WKU
  • SAT range
  • Aurora University 900-1150
  • WKU 840-1050
  • ACT range
  • Aurora University 21-29
  • WKU 16-21
  • Submit test scores
  • Aurora University Test optional
  • WKU Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Aurora University
  • WKU Aug 1, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Aurora University $29,170
  • WKU $11,652
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Aurora University $29,170
  • WKU $27,000
  • Room & board
  • Aurora University $13,580
  • WKU $12,582
  • Average net price
  • Aurora University $19,053
  • WKU $12,548
  • Average grant aid
  • Aurora University $21,513
  • WKU $10,921
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Aurora University 99%
  • WKU 99%
  • Graduation rate
  • Aurora University 44%
  • WKU 50%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Aurora University $42,900
  • WKU $37,100
  • Making student loan payments
  • Aurora University 63%
  • WKU 47%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Aurora University $22,337
  • WKU $24,250
  • Median loan payment
  • Aurora University $230
  • WKU $250
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Aurora University 18:1
  • WKU 19:1
  • Popular majors
  • Aurora University
    • Business (26%)
    • Health Professions (20%)
    • Education (16%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (7%)
    • Human Services (7%)
  • WKU
    • Business (16%)
    • Education (12%)
    • Health Professions (11%)
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities (10%)
    • Social Sciences (8%)
  • Location
  • Aurora University Aurora, IL
  • WKU Bowling Green, KY
  • Setting
  • Aurora University Large Suburban
  • WKU Small City
  • Total enrollment
  • Aurora University 5,923
  • WKU 16,291
  • Type
  • Aurora University Private 4 Year
  • WKU Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Aurora University #734
  • WKU #970

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL with Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Aurora University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 5,923 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 7.3% lower than at Aurora University ($12,582 vs. $13,580).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 8% higher at Aurora University than at Western Kentucky University (about $2,170 more per year; $29,170 vs. $27,000).
  • The same share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University as at Western Kentucky University (99% vs. 99%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 97% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($21,513 vs. $10,921).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 7 points higher at Aurora University than at WKU (25 vs. 18, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Aurora University and WKU.
  • Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Aurora University average a 3.56 high school GPA, 0.14 higher than at WKU (3.42).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $1,913 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($22,337 vs. $24,250).
  • Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($230 vs. $250).
  • More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation (63% vs. 47%).

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

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