Your future begins at Aurora University.
A NEW HOME AWAY FROM HOME
4-year, private, nonprofit, accredited university
average class size of 26 students
core values: integrity, citizenship, continuous learning, and excellence
4,000+ undergraduate students
founded in 1893
AU is test-optional; we base admission decisions on all application information, including previous grades and coursework.
We are a campus centered on connections. From professors who will know you by name to peers who will support you both in and out of the classroom, AU is more than a university. It’s a community.
Our beautiful, 40-acre campus — with its blend of historic buildings and modern, state-of-the-art facilities — is nestled in a safe, tree-lined residential neighborhood with nearby nature trails, forest preserves, shopping centers, and dining options.
Our promise represents opportunity.
As an Aurora University student, you’ll be able to explore numerous academic possibilities. Our programs are designed to spark curiosity, reveal unrealized potential, and build upon your current educational interests. We’ll introduce you to new ideas, help you develop marketable skills, and teach you to be a problem solver — preparing you to impact the world and giving you a tremendous advantage as you enter the job market.
Academic programs designed so you can double major and still finish on time.
Unique majors include cybersecurity, data engineering, human-animal studies, and therapeutic recreation.
Focused program areas in business, education, health and sciences, liberal arts, nursing, and social work.
More than 60 undergraduate academic programs to customize a degree around your interests.
A foundation for your future.
Learn by doing. That’s the AU difference. Students deepen their understanding of the health sciences, including nursing and athletic training, in specialized cutting-edge labs. Our professors take classes on field trips to explore industries and professions. We volunteer in the community. Our students build meaningful relationships and gain teamwork skills by working together on class projects and connecting with community leaders. We engage in dialogue with guest speakers and one another.
These experiences will prepare you for what employers need.
As your career path advances, AU’s Hill Center for Student Success will provide direction to ensure your growth as a student and a professional. Dedicated staff will work one-onone with you to uncover your interests, research careers, help secure internships, practice interviewing, review cover letters and résumés, and find jobs. These services continue after graduation, too.
THE AU WAY
We partner with top universities to provide students direct admission to graduate health science programs.
Medical School Partnerships
» Illinois College of Optometry
» Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
» Loyola University
» Midwestern University
» National University of Health Sciences
» Rush University
» University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
» University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
Our dedicated academic advisors will help you choose classes and develop a graduation plan.
Students participate in Junior Mentoring, a unique program that involves workshops covering personal and professional goals led by professors in their major.
75% of students participate in internships, field experiences, student teaching, clinical rotation, or practicum.
Our promise embodies value.
There’s a familiar saying at AU: Once a Spartan, Always a Spartan. Summer programs for first year and transfer students will help you become more familiar with the university. And after graduation, we continue to provide services and resources to help you create a purposeful life and fulfilling career.
When you attend AU, you’re making an investment in your future. In turn, we work to ensure a college degree — and all the support and guidance that comes with it before, during, and after your time as an undergraduate — is within your financial reach.
AN ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION
We have one of the lowest private school tuition rates in Illinois.
Merit scholarships are awarded based on each student’s academic achievement.
AU’s financial aid program includes scholarships and awards specific to freshman and transfer students.
Nearly 100% of first-time students receive financial assistance.
A future we inspire through the transformative power of learning.
Gwen
BIOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES & SUSTAINABILITY GRADUATE
“One course at AU changed my life. During my freshman year, I took Introduction to Environmental Studies, even though I wasn’t into nature. Fortunately, Professor Barclay brought my class outside to literally show us what we were learning. She also introduced me to literature that gave me a deeper appreciation for where we live. I became a biology and environmental studies and sustainability double major and took a parttime job in a lab doing what I love: making the world a better place.”
Hear more from Gwen at aurora.edu/experienceAU.
SUPPORT FOR EVERY SPARTAN
AU will help you make the transition to college through orientation programs.
Professional and peer tutors at the Academic Support Center offer free tutoring, study skills training, and writing assistance.
AU’s Wellness Center provides a variety of health and counseling services. In addition, students have 24/7, on-demand access to virtual mental health services.
Campus Public Safety, a fully sworn law enforcement agency, ensures the security of our campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A promise to help build your life around what matters.
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
We’re recognized by the U.S. government as a MinorityServing Institution. This means we value diversity and serve as a national model for other universities.
We make staying on schedule for graduation a seamless process in part by offering convenient May Term and summer courses that cover a variety of topics.
Francis
HISTORY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GRADUATE
“At AU, I discovered I want to become a teacher. I also further pursued my passion for music while I continued to be involved in Spartan Athletics. Over my freshman year winter break, I wrote my first composition for guitar and performed it during a student recital in the spring. I never felt limited at AU. I could prepare to teach, take music lessons, and run on the cross country and track and field teams. I could do the things that mattered to me.”
Hear more from Francis at aurora.edu/experienceAU.
Professional partnerships provide hands-on learning opportunities in the area’s best hospitals, schools, and businesses.
AU students can choose from a variety of academic programs in business, education, health and sciences, liberal arts, nursing, social work, and technology.
A future with unlimited potential.
Spartan Athletic Park houses championship-quality venues and an elite multipurpose facility with a weight room, wrestling center, and golf simulator.
The Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action offers programs and resources that promote belonging and flourishing, solidarity and service, and reflection and purpose. Central to the center’s resources is a free food pantry for students.
Tony
EXERCISE SCIENCE GRADUATE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING GRADUATE
“As an athletic training 3+2 student, I completed the bachelor’s degree coursework in three years and finished a master’s in two, so the Junior Mentoring Program was an important tool to ensure I stayed on track. Junior Mentoring provided me with a faculty mentor who met with me one-on-one to review my academic plan, help me prepare my résumé, and discuss plans for after graduation.”
Hear more from Tony at aurora.edu/experienceAU.
AU’s on-campus residence halls feature free laundry and printing amenities, study spaces, fitness centers, and air-conditioned rooms.
There’s plenty on the menu at AU with the Tru Blu Dining cafeteria, the Spartan Spot fast food hangout, and the popular Tru Blu Coffee cafe.
An AU promise fulfilled.
DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE.
Study abroad and earn course credit. International short- and long-term study in many countries, covering a variety of subjects, is available.
In addition to campus and community service opportunities, you can participate in Spring Break Social Impact Trips.
Students are invited to share their academic work with the university during the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
AU has three performance stages, a black box theatre, band and vocal rehearsal spaces, a fine arts studio, a gallery, and a museum.
Our 24 NCAA Division III teams have competed in 194 tournaments and won 200 conference championships.
Jaylah NURSING GRADUATE
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE AT WELLSTONE REGIONAL HOSPITAL
“AU faculty and staff fulfilled their promise to support me as a nursing major, basketball player, and student worker. My coaches wanted me to succeed in nursing just as much as my professors wanted me to succeed in basketball. They helped me align my nursing clinical schedule with my basketball schedule, so I could be devoted to both passions. They also encouraged me to contribute to the university. I worked in the Spartan Weight Room and Fitness Center and as a campus tour guide. At AU, learned how to manage my time and follow my passions.”
Hear more from Jaylah at aurora.edu/experienceAU.
Your future is our priority.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE GRADUATE
PLUS ONE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE GRADUATE
VICTIM SPECIALIST AT COOK COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
“Earning my Plus One master’s degree right after graduating with a bachelor’s was really beneficial. AU’s Plus One program introduced me to topics and information that apply to my career today. My law coursework was especially valuable as it helped me understand how the court system works. And because the graduate program was only one year long, I was able to start looking for a job sooner and consider more options. It definitely made me more qualified and prepared for the workforce.”
THE PLUS ONE GRADUATE PROGRAM IS DISTINCTIVE TO AURORA UNIVERSITY.
Complete your master’s in one year at AU following your undergraduate education.
Participate in a premier internship, portfolio project, résumé-building activities, and professional development opportunities.
Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to follow your calling.
Plus One master’s degrees include programs in business, criminal justice, and teaching.
A promise to focus on you.
Eduardo
SENIOR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MAJOR AND COACHING AND YOUTH SPORT DEVELOPMENT MINOR
FOOTBALL STUDENT-ATHLETE, DUNHAM SCHOLAR, PRIOR RESIDENT ASSISTANT
“Whether I’m in a classroom, on an athletic field, or in my residence hall, I’ve found different ways to be an AU Spartan. Being a Dunham Scholar has helped prepare me to lead and pave the way for a rewarding career. As a member of the football team, I’m working with others toward a common goal. As a resident assistant, I helped build a positive and welcoming community. I’m learning and having fun here. To me, that’s the ultimate college experience.”
100+ campus events and student engagement opportunities each year
7 on-campus residence halls
60+ student organizations and clubs
multiple intramural sports and activities
A future we plan together.
AU faculty have designed courses in collaboration with employers to ensure students are learning the skills they need to land good jobs and be successful in the workplace. Our professors and teaching partners know what’s needed to get hired or secure a spot in graduate school. We also have programs in which you can earn certifications. Whichever opportunities you pursue here, your goals become our goals.
Andrew Carr, MBA, MA
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE
BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL WITH MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF CORPORATE AND NONPROFIT EXPERIENCE
“I introduce students to guiding theories that are the foundation of the financial services industry. This knowledge serves as a springboard into higher mastery for students who pursue advanced degrees. For students who go right into the workforce, the real-world applications introduced by our industry experts give them the potential to hit the ground running. At AU, professors and professionals in the field prepare students for a variety of post-graduation paths.”
123 full-time faculty members
100% of classes are taught by faculty (as opposed to teaching assistants)
18:1 student-faculty ratio
Professors mentor students beyond the classroom as advisors to award-winning academic and professional campus organizations.
A promise for today — and tomorrow.
Emily
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PROFESSIONAL WRITING AND COMMUNICATION & MEDIA GRADUATE
MARKETING COORDINATOR AT F.H. PASCHEN
“AU’s Hill Center for Student Success connected me to an internship and a job during my senior year. A career counselor also reviewed my résumé and cover letter, proofread my writing samples, and did a mock interview with me. My internship was with an executive recruiting firm, which gave me experience managing a website and creating newsletters. AU guided me in the right direction with the best resources to start my marketing career.”
Hear more from Emily at aurora.edu/experienceAU.
OPPORTUNITIES LEAD TO OUTCOMES.
Top fields and industries employing Class of 2023 graduates include corporate retail, counseling, education, healthcare, insurance, parks and recreation, and social work.
40+ staff members are dedicated solely to student success initiatives.
More than 37,000 graduates represent the Aurora University alumni network.
Employers who hired recent graduates include JPMorgan Chase, Northwestern Medicine, Sikich LLP, Target Corporation, and numerous school districts.
Continue your promising future at Aurora University.
From day one, AU will provide you with what you need to make your ideal future a reality. Right now, it’s simply about taking the first steps on the pathway to success. Come to campus. Visit us online. Give us a call or send us a text for more information.
Our application process is always open, although we encourage you to apply early. We review applications as they are completed, and after that we notify students about admission decisions. If you apply before our November 15 Priority Application Deadline, you will receive expedited communications about admission, financial aid, and registration.
