Understanding Aurora University Tuition Fees and Financial Aid

Aurora University, a medium-sized private institution in Aurora, Illinois, founded in 1893, offers a range of undergraduate degrees across 72 majors. A significant factor for prospective students is understanding the costs associated with attending the university. This article breaks down the tuition fees, other expenses, and financial aid options available at Aurora University.

Tuition and Fees: The Sticker Price

The sticker price, encompassing tuition and fees, at Aurora University is $29,170. This figure is comparatively lower than the national average of $47,097 for tuition, positioning Aurora University as a more affordable option. These fees support essential campus services such as the library, gym facilities, student centers, technology, and health services.

Undergraduate Tuition

For undergraduate students, tuition costs vary depending on enrollment status:

Full-Time (12-18 semester hours): \$14,800 per semester
Part-Time (1-11 semester hours): \$480 per semester hour
Over 18 Credit Hours: \$480 per semester hour
Summer Session: \$480 per semester hour
Travel Study/May Session: \$480 per semester hour
Adult Degree Completion: \$480 per semester hour
AU Online: \$480 per semester hour
University Center Fall 2024 cohort: \$465 per credit hour
University Center Cohort Fall 2025 cohort: \$480 per semester hour

Graduate Tuition

Tuition rates for graduate programs differ based on the specific program:

Student At Large: \$690 per semester hour
Graduate Business Programs (MBA, MPA, MSDM): \$600 per semester hour
MSW, MSW/MBA, MSW/MPA, PEL, Addictions Programs: \$635 per semester hour
Doctoral (DSW) Program: \$750 per semester hour
Graduate Education Programs and Endorsements: \$505 per semester hour
Doctoral (EdD) Program: \$690 per semester hour
MS Athletic Training Program: \$700 per semester hour
Graduate Plus One Programs: \$10,250
Graduate 3+2 MS-ATR Program (FA/SP): \$9,950 (Fall/Spring), \$4,975 (Summer internship semester)
MS Exercises Science: \$565 per semester hour
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): \$740
District Cohorts - Tiered Pricing: Option A \$415, Option B \$335, Option C \$260 per semester hour

Additional Fees

Aurora University may also assess fees for specific services, courses, field placements, or other ancillary expenses. Examples of general fees include:

Course by Special Arrangement (CBSA): \$130 per semester hour
Deferred Payment Fee: \$10 per semester hour
Regalia Fee (master’s): \$135
Regalia Fee (doctoral): \$160
Replacement I.D. Card Fee: \$25
Returned Check Fee: \$25
Auditor Fee: 50% of tuition
Student-at-Large Tuition Deposit (non-refundable): \$100
Transcript, Online: \$5
Transcript, While-You-Wait Service: \$25
Life and Vocational Assessment Fee: \$125 per semester hour

There are also fees charged per course or registration, such as lab course fees for athletic training, nursing, science, and other specialized programs.

Room and Board: On-Campus Living Expenses

Room and board are significant components of the overall cost of attendance. For the 2025-2026 academic year, Aurora University offers several room and board options:

Board (Meal Plans)

The Hungry Spartan 21: 21 meals per week with 80 points per semester - \$3,120 per semester
Taste of AU 15: 15 meals per week with 100 points per semester - \$2,910
Weekly Bite 10: 10 meals per week with 100 points per semester - \$2,260
Blue Block 150: 150 meals per semester with 175 points per semester - \$2,375
AU 80 (Juniors and Seniors only): 80 meals per semester with 160 points per semester - \$1,110

Room (Housing)

Air-Conditioned Halls (Centennial, Davis, Memorial, Don and Betty Tucker, and Watkins Halls):
- Single: \$4,180 per semester
- Double: \$3,875 per semester
- Choice Triple: \$3,220 per semester
Non-Air-Conditioned Residence Halls (Jenks, East, Memorial and Wilkinson Halls):
- Single: \$3,875 per semester
- Double: \$3,415 per semester
Suites (Jenks West, Jenks East Halls):
- Suite with A/C: \$4,180 per semester
- Suite without A/C: \$3,875 per semester

Additional Costs: Beyond Tuition and Room & Board

Beyond tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board, students should budget for other expenses. These indirect costs include books and supplies (estimated at $1,200 per year), personal expenses ($1,944 per year), and transportation ($1,674 per year).

Financial Aid: Making Education Accessible

Aurora University is committed to making education accessible through various forms of financial aid, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. The financial aid packages are tailored to each student's financial need, largely determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial Aid Statistics

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 76.97%
Freshmen With Need Receiving Financial Aid: 99.63%
Average Aid Package Awarded: \$31,013
Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: \$21,518
Average Need-Based Loan Amount: \$4,433
Non-Need-Based Aid: \$12,723

Important Financial Aid Dates

Application Due: December 31
Priority Application Due: Not available
Notification Date: Not available
Response Due: Not available

Types of Financial Aid

Grants: Financial aid that doesn't need to be repaid, often based on financial need.
Loans: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Federal loans generally have more favorable terms than private loans.
Scholarships: Funding awarded based on merit, talent, or other criteria, which does not need to be repaid.
Work-Study: A program providing part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses.

Military Tuition Benefits

Aurora University offers specific benefits for military personnel:

Read also: Affording ECU

A grant equivalent to \$250 a credit hour for undergraduate and graduate courses for active-duty military, their spouses and dependents, National Guard members, and reservists (AU Online students only).
A 10% tuition discount for qualified veterans.

Student Loan Debt

The median federal loan debt among Aurora University undergraduate borrowers is $20,318. The median monthly federal loan payment (assuming a 10-year repayment at 5.05% interest) is $215.

Net Price: What You'll Actually Pay

The net price is a more realistic estimate of what a student will pay after grants and scholarships are deducted from the total cost of attendance. Aurora University's average net price is $19,220 per year. This amount varies based on individual financial circumstances and the university's financial aid policies.

Net Price Calculator

Prospective students are encouraged to use Aurora University's Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate of their net price.

Making the Decision: Is Aurora University Affordable?

Aurora University's tuition and fees are relatively competitive, especially compared to other private institutions. The university's commitment to financial aid, including need-based grants and scholarships, helps to make education more affordable for a significant portion of its students. Prospective students should carefully consider all costs, including tuition, fees, room and board, and personal expenses, and explore all available financial aid options to determine if Aurora University is the right financial fit for them.

Read also: Withdrawals for College: A Guide

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