Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Aurora, Illinois
85.1% Acceptance Rate
Aurora University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
85.1%Acceptance Rate
3.56Avg GPA
1072Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$39,232Annual Cost
$58,709Grad Salary
43.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
85.1%
Avg GPA
3.56
Avg SAT
1072
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
930–1133
ACT Middle 50%
20–26
Need-Based Aid
43.5% receive Pell
Aurora University is a private, comprehensive institution in Illinois dedicated to academic excellence, integrity, and service. With a student-centered focus and a variety of career-relevant programs, the university provides a supportive environment that helps students develop the knowledge and leadership skills necessary for professional success.
Aurora University Acceptance Rate
Admission at Aurora University is inclusive by design. 85.1% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 85.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.11
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Aurora University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Aurora University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of November 15 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 96 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Aurora University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Priority
November 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (November 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Aurora University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Aurora University is 3.56. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.26 and 3.56? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.76–3.96.Aurora University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.16 – 3.35
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.15
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Aurora University's Geneva Lake campus (George Williams College, Williams Bay, WI) ceased academic instruction in December 2023 and now operates only as a conference center - some of AU's own webpages still describe it as an active academic site.
- AU is test-optional with no undergraduate application fee, and requires a personal statement with provided topic prompts plus one letter of recommendation - a genuinely lighter-weight application than many peer schools with essay-optional policies.
- The BSW program allows conditional admission for applicants slightly below the GPA minimum, converting to full acceptance contingent on earning an A or B in the first two required social work courses - a real, structured second chance rather than an outright rejection.
- Aurora University and George Williams College merged in 2000 after an eight-year affiliation agreement beginning in 1992; despite the 2023 Geneva Lake closure, the "George Williams School of Social Work" name persists as the Aurora, IL-based school's official title.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Aurora University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Aurora University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Aurora University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Aurora University. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Aurora University Without SAT or ACT?
Aurora University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Aurora University Average SAT Score: 1072
Admitted students at Aurora University average a 1072 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1072 — Accessible
A 1072 average means even a modest SAT score can strengthen your application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1133 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Aurora University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 930? A retake is worth it at Aurora University. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 505 | 460 | 550 |
| SAT Reading | 527 | 470 | 583 |
| SAT Composite | 1072 | 930 | 1133 |
A score under 930 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1133+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Aurora University with a 1150 SAT?
At 1150, your SAT is squarely in Aurora University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Aurora University ACT Requirements
Aurora University's admitted students average an ACT of 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 23 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 17 | 26 |
| ACT English | 24 | 21 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 20 | 26 |
Can I get into Aurora University with a 26 ACT?
At 26, you're in the top quarter of Aurora University's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Aurora University weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Aurora University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Aurora University is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Write your required essay around a specific, provided topic - AU's application isn't a blank-slate personal statement
Aurora University's freshman application includes a personal statement with topics provided directly in the application (not an open-ended prompt), alongside one letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher. Read the specific topic options carefully before drafting, since admitted-student reviews describe the essay as "short" and focused - this isn't the place for a sprawling Common-App-style narrative; answer the actual question asked.
If your target program is nursing, social work, or applied psychology, confirm which physical campus location the program actually runs from before you build your plan around it
Aurora University closed its Geneva Lake campus (George Williams College in Williams Bay, WI) to academic instruction in December 2023 - the site now operates only as a conference and events center, even though some of AU's own program pages still describe it in present tense with details like kayaking, beekeeping, and maple-tapping as part of "GWC student life." Verify directly with AU Admissions which physical location (Aurora, IL campus; AU Online; or another center) currently delivers your intended major, since older marketing content describing GWC as an active academic campus is now out of date.
For the BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) program, apply through the George Williams School of Social Work's own admission track, not just general AU admission
BSW applicants must be admitted to Aurora University first, then separately submit a BSW application and Statement of Purpose to the George Williams School of Social Work, along with a required background check; students can apply and be conditionally accepted even before finishing 60 semester hours if they have a credible completion plan. If your GPA is slightly below the program minimum, know that conditional admission is genuinely available - but you must earn an A or B in your first two required social work courses to convert to full acceptance, so treat that first semester as a hard proving period.
For the MSW program, tailor your required essay responses to the specific mission language AU's own admissions page uses - panels are explicitly evaluating fit against that language
AU's MSW application requires written responses to prompts like "why have you chosen to study social work at AU" and how the program's mission of building "justice and systematic change for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities" applies to your goals - plus a required explanation if your undergraduate GPA was below 3.0. Mirror this specific institutional framing (justice, systemic change, community-level practice) rather than writing a generic "I want to help people" statement, and don't skip the GPA-explanation prompt if it applies to you; leaving it blank reads worse than addressing it directly.
Expert Insight:
Because Aurora University markets its "GWC Difference" content in the present tense - describing students who "kayak, tend gardens, keep bees, sail, hike and tap maple trees for syrup" at the Geneva Lake campus - an applicant relying on that page alone would reasonably but incorrectly conclude they can attend classes there. That location ceased in-person instruction in December 2023 and now operates solely as a conference/events center; confirm actual instructional locations directly with AU Admissions rather than trusting historical program marketing pages that haven't been fully updated.
Aurora University Profile
Full Name
Aurora University
City
Aurora
State
Illinois
ZIP Code
60506-4892
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Aurora University Degree Worth It?
At $39,232/year against a $58,709 median graduate salary, Aurora University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $77,800, and graduates see a 3.29% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Aurora University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $39,232/year at Aurora University. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At Aurora University, 43.5% receive a Pell Grant and 48.8% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Aurora University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Aurora University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Aurora University graduates report a median income of $58,709, about 45% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Aurora University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Point University | West Point, GA | 1059 | 19 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Aurora University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
| Piedmont University | Demorest, GA | 1074 | 21 |
| Shorter University | Rome, GA | 1075 | 20 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Aurora University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Aurora University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Aurora University Admissions
Aurora University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $58,709/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Aurora University is moderate, around $39,232/year; many students supplement with aid.
43.5% of Aurora University students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Aurora University's acceptance rate is 85.1%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Aurora University students is 3.56, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.26 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Aurora University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.16 or below makes admission tougher at Aurora University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Aurora University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1072, and within the 930–1133 range, keeps you competitive.
Aurora University's deadline is November 15. Rolling Admissions applies too, so earlier is always better.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before November 15, 2026. That's Aurora University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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