At $18,992/yr net price, Aurora University graduates earn $58,709/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,709/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,992 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,968 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,709/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,709/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,318 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,980/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,079/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,984/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,070/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,042/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $111,435 | $50,408 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $86,375 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $67,101 | $23,641 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $66,941 | $27,588 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,238 | $30,785 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,661 | $22,654 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Master | $52,464 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $50,439 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $50,105 | |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $50,105 | $20,505 |
The Risk Factor
58.3% of students at Aurora University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Aurora University delivers modest financial returns that vary dramatically by program choice. The $58,709 median earnings after ten years barely justify the investment for most graduates, especially when you factor in the concerning 58% graduation rate.
Educational administration programs stand out as clear winners, with some graduates earning over $111,000 annually. Clinical psychology and business management also provide solid returns relative to debt loads. However, many other programs leave graduates earning closer to the overall median, making the $18,992 annual net price difficult to justify.
Your biggest financial risk at Aurora is the graduation rate. With four out of ten students failing to complete their degree, you face real odds of carrying debt without the diploma needed to maximize earnings. The 78% retention rate suggests early academic struggles are common.
Aurora makes financial sense if you plan to pursue education leadership, psychology, or business and can commit to graduation. The school works best for students who need the smaller, private university environment to succeed academically. If you're unsure about your major or concerned about completing your degree, the combination of modest returns and significant dropout risk makes Aurora financially risky.
The school's aid strategy appears limited, with only 43% of students receiving financial assistance. Merit scholarship opportunities exist but aren't widespread enough to significantly alter the cost equation for most students. Your best strategy involves targeting high-return programs and ensuring you have the academic foundation to graduate on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora University worth the cost?
Aurora University's ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Education administration graduates earn strong salaries ($111,435), but the overall 10-year median earnings of $58,709 are modest for the net cost. With a 58% graduation rate, completion risk is a real concern.
What are the best paying majors at Aurora University?
Educational administration leads Aurora University's earnings at $111,435 annually, followed by curriculum and instruction at $86,375. Business and psychology programs show lower returns around $65,000-67,000, which barely justify the investment.
How much debt do Aurora University graduates have?
Aurora University graduates carry a median debt of $20,318, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with median earnings of $58,709, debt-to-income ratios can still strain budgets for lower-paying program graduates.
Should I attend Aurora University or go somewhere cheaper?
Aurora University makes financial sense mainly for education administration students who can expect strong salaries. For other programs, the $19,000 annual net price may not provide better career outcomes than less expensive state schools with similar admission standards.