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Aurora University

Aurora, United States • Founded 1893

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: aurora.edu

Overview

English Name: Aurora University
Acronyms: AU
Founded: 1893
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Aurora University institutional grounds
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Aurora University is a private, nonprofit university in Aurora, Illinois, about 45 miles from Chicago.

It was founded in 1893 in Mendota as a seminary college and moved to Aurora in 1912. The federal government recognizes it as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

The university offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and minors, along with master's and doctoral degrees, endorsements and certificates. Programs are organized into three colleges and a School of Nursing, covering education and social work, health and sciences, and liberal arts and business.

Several bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs are delivered fully online, and some are offered at the University Center at McHenry County College in Woodstock.

Classes are small, with a 20 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and the academic year runs on fall and spring semesters with optional summer courses. Students can live on campus or commute, study full or part time, and compete in NCAA Division III athletics.

Undergraduate admission is test-optional and rolling, and international students pay the same published tuition as domestic students.

Location & Contact

Geographic and contact information for Aurora University is listed below.

Phone: 630-892-6431 (
Social Media:

Academic Details

Aurora University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.

Total Students: 3,974

Academic Structures

Below is how Aurora University is organised academically — the schools, faculties, and units.

Unit 11 items
  • College of Education and Social Work
  • College of Health and Sciences
  • College of Liberal Arts and Business
  • Dunham School of Business
  • George Williams School of Social Work
  • School of Education
  • School of Health Sciences
  • School of Humanities
  • School of Natural Sciences, Technology, and Math
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Aurora University are listed by degree level.

76 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 48 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Actuarial Science
Actuarial Science

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in American Sign Language
Linguistics & Language Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Black Studies
Ethnic Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (Online)
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Business Management (Online)
Management & Leadership

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Sciences
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 48.

Master of Business Administration 1 programme

Master of Business Administration in Business Administration (Online)
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree 15 programmes

Dual MSW/MBA (Online)
Social Work

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Dual MSW/MPA (Online)
Social Work

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, Principal Endorsement (Online)
Educational Leadership

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Justice Administration (Online)
Criminal Law & Justice

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 15.

Doctorate 2 programmes

Doctorate in Family Nurse Practitioner (Online)
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate 10 programmes

Certificate in Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Counselling & Psychotherapy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in CODP Board Registration
Counselling & Psychotherapy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Director of Special Education Endorsement (Online)
Special Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Educators License with Social Work Endorsement
Social Work

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Post-MSW School Social Work Endorsement (Online)
Social Work

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Principal Endorsement
Educational Leadership

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Special Education Endorsement
Special Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Special Education Endorsement LBS 1 (Online)
Special Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Speech Language Pathology Assistant (Online)
Speech & Language Therapy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Superintendent Endorsement (Online)
Educational Leadership

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Scholarships in United States

Financial-aid options for studying in the United States, applicable across institutions including Aurora University.

How to apply to Aurora University

A five-step guide to applying to Aurora University.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Aurora University offers 76 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Each programme at Aurora University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Apply directly via Aurora University's online portal at www.aurora.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at 630-892-6431 (. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aurora University

Below are key facts about Aurora University, drawn directly from institutional records.

When did Aurora University open?

Aurora University traces its founding to 1893 (approximately 133 years ago).

Where can I find Aurora University?

The institution is located in Aurora, United States.

Is Aurora University public or private?

It is a private higher-education institution.

How many students does Aurora University have?

The institution has a student body of 3,974.

How many faculties does Aurora University have?

The institution comprises 11 academic units.

What is Aurora University's official website?

Aurora University's official website is www.aurora.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

the United States's leading universities appear below, useful for benchmarking Aurora University's academic standing. Use this list as the upper-bound reference for academic prestige within the United States.

Faculties at nearby universities

The institutions below are geographically close to Aurora University.

Where Else to Study Social Work

Social Work is also taught at these universities in the United States.

Universities Compared with Aurora University

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