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
Aurora University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 85.1%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
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
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
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
⏳ 116 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 the admitted students at Aurora University is 3.56. Aurora University is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.76-3.96 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.26 and 3.56, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Aurora University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Aurora University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.56, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
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
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- 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.
- The Rigor Metric: At Aurora University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Aurora University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Aurora University's verified institutional data
--%
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
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Aurora University Without SAT or ACT?
Aurora University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Aurora University Average SAT Score: 1072
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Aurora University is 1072 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1072 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1072 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1133 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Aurora University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 930, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Aurora University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
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 |
It means that if you have scored less than 930 then you are below most of the admitted students at Aurora University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1133 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Aurora University with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Aurora University are good but the admission staff at Aurora University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Aurora University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Aurora University is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Aurora University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 23 on the ACT.
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?
A 26 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Aurora University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Aurora University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Aurora University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Aurora University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 26 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Aurora University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Aurora University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing 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?
Getting into Aurora University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Aurora University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Aurora University is $77,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.29%.
How much does a degree from Aurora University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Aurora University is $39,232. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Aurora University is much less than this.
43.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 48.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Aurora University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Aurora University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Aurora University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Aurora University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $58,709. An average Aurora University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
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
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $58,709 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $39,232 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
43.5% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Aurora University is 85.1% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.56. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.26, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.26, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.16 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.56, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Aurora University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1072 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 930–1133.
The application deadline for Aurora University is November 15. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The scholarship priority deadline is November 15, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Explore Other Options
Acceptance Rate of all Illinois Colleges
Average SAT Score of Illinois Colleges
Average ACT Score
Admissions deadlines of Colleges in Illinois
Bachelor Programs in Illinois
Test Optional Colleges in Illinois
SAT Score Wise Best Colleges
ACT Score Wise Best Colleges
Rolling Admissions Colleges in Illinois