Aurora University Overview
Aurora University is ranked #273 in the 2025 US News Best National Universities list. It has an ~82% acceptance rate , making it a good choice for international students, including those from India. The university offers over 50 undergraduate programs and 28 graduate programs like MBA, MSN, and EdD. You can study online, on-campus, or through hybrid classes. There is no application fee for undergraduate students. Undergraduate tuition costs about ₹24,55,140 per year, while graduate programs cost ₹56,550 per credit. Popular programs include Nursing, Business, and Education.
Aurora University Highlights
| Acceptance Rate | 82% |
|---|---|
| Total number of Students | ~6,200 |
| Academic Campuses | Illinois and Wisconsin campuses |
| Mode of Payment | Master-Card/ American Express/Discover/visa/by check |
| Academic Calendar | Semester-based |
| Intake Sessions | Fall and spring semester |
| Residential Facility | Available only for UG International students |
| Application Portal/Form | https://applynow.aurora.edu/apply/ |
| Official website | www.aurora.edu |
Aurora University Admission Deadlines
Aurora University accepts admission applications in its 2 semesters. It invites applications in the fall and spring semesters. It also offers some optional summer courses, for which the deadlines are rolled out on the official university portal.
The table below demonstrates the deadlines for the admissions:
| Intake | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall UG | Nov 15, 2024 (priority) (closed) | Merit scholarships, housing priority |
| Spring Transfer | Dec 1, 2024 (closed) | Recommended for financial aid |
| Fall Transfer | Aug 1, 2025 | Rolling review after deadline |
| MSN Program | May 1, 2025 | Final submission for Fall 2025 |
| Summer Financial Aid | Jun 30, 2025 | FAFSA deadline |
Aurora University Admissions
Students who are not U.S. citizens and do not hold a U.S. permanent resident visa (green card) must complete the international admission process.
How to Apply
- Application Portal : Apply online through Aurora University’s official portal: applynow.aurora.edu/apply/ .
- Application Fee :
- No application fee for undergraduate students;
- ₹4,350–₹8,700 (USD 50–100) for graduate programs.
Financial Aid for International Students
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Automatic review with application (up to ₹1,50,000/year).
- External Scholarships: Explore options like Inlaks Shivdasani or Aga Khan Foundation.
- Education Loans: Indian banks like SBI and HDFC offer loans (₹20–50 lakh).
Admission Requirements
To apply, you need the following documents:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Transcripts | Official school transcripts (for UG) or college transcripts (for PG). Must be attested by AIU or WES. |
| English Proficiency Scores | IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 79 iBT, or Duolingo 110. |
| Standardized exams Scores | Optional for UG (SAT/ACT); required for some PG programs (e.g., GRE/GMAT). |
| Recommendation Letters | Two for UG, three for PG. |
| Personal Statement | 500–1,000 words explaining your goals and reasons for choosing Aurora University. |
| Financial Documents | Proof of funds (₹25,00,000+ annually) and a completed Statement of Financial Resources form. |
| Passport Copy | A clear copy of your current passport. |
| Visa Documents | Copy of I-94 and visa (if transferring from another U.S. institution). |
Aurora University Undergraduate Admissions
Aurora University offers 50+ undergraduate majors and minors across diverse fields, including Business, Nursing, Education, Psychology, and more. Below is the detailed admission process and course information for undergraduate programs.
Where to Apply
- Application Portal : Apply online through Aurora University’s official portal (https://applynow.aurora.edu/apply/) or via the Common App (for freshman students only).
Application Fee
- No Application Fee : Aurora University does not charge any application fee for undergraduate students.
Deposit Fee
- ₹87,125 (USD 1,000): Required after accepting your admission offer to secure your spot.
Admission Requirements
To apply for undergraduate programs, you need the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| High School Transcripts | Submit official 12th-grade marksheets (60%+ recommended). |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 79 iBT, or Duolingo 110. |
| Standardized Tests | Optional (SAT/ACT). Homeschooled students must submit scores. |
| Passport Copy | A clear copy of your current passport. |
| Resume | Highlight extracurricular activities, internships, or work experience. |
| Recommendation Letters | Two letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors. |
Popular Undergraduate Programs
Below are some of the most popular undergraduate majors at Aurora University:
| Program Name | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| Business Administration | Prepares students for careers in management, marketing, and finance. |
| Nursing (BSN) | Hands-on clinical training; ₹4,785/credit clinical fee. |
| Education | Leads to teaching licensure; includes field placements. |
| Psychology | Focuses on research and counseling skills. |
| Computer Science | Covers programming, AI, and software development; ₹4,350 lab fee. |
| Biology | Ideal for pre-med or research careers; ₹4,350 lab fee. |
Aurora University Graduate Admissions
Aurora University offers 28 graduate programs, including master’s degrees, doctoral programs, and certificates. Programs are available in flexible formats such as online, hybrid, evening, and weekend classes to accommodate working professionals and international students. Admission is offered for both spring and fall semesters, with courses typically delivered in 8-week modules.
Where to Apply
- Application Portal : Apply online through Aurora University’s official portal (https://applynow.aurora.edu/apply/)
Deposit Fee
- ₹87,000 (USD 1,000): Required after accepting your admission offer to secure your spot.
Admission Requirements
To apply for graduate programs, you need the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Official transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0 (varies by program). |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 79 iBT, or Duolingo 110. |
| Standardized Tests | GRE/GMAT required for select programs (e.g., Psychology, MBA). |
| Personal Statement | 500–1,000 words explaining your goals and reasons for choosing Aurora. |
| Recommendation Letters | Three letters from professors, employers, or mentors. |
| Resume/CV | Highlight work experience, internships, or research projects. |
Popular Graduate Programs
Below are some of the most popular graduate programs at Aurora University:
| Program Name | Campus/Mode | Duration | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | Online/Main Campus | 12 months (full-time) | No GMAT required; ₹56,550 per credit. |
| MSN (Entry to Practice) | Main Campus | 24 months | Clinical fee: ₹4,785/credit; hands-on training. |
| Doctor of Education (EdD) | Online | 9–12 semesters | ₹4,350 software licensing fee. |
| MS in Criminal Justice | Main Campus/AU Orchard | 24 months | Prepares students for leadership roles. |
| MS in Social Work (MSW) | Online/McHenry County | 24 months | Advanced standing option for licensed social workers. |
| Public Administration (MPA) | Online | 12–24 months | Focuses on leadership in public service. |
Program-Specific Details
| Program | Online Availability | Average Class Size | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | Yes | 17 students | ₹4,350 lab fee (select tracks). |
| MSN | No | Not available | ₹4,785 clinical fee + ₹4,785 lab fee. |
| EdD | No | 15 students | ₹4,350 software fee. |
| Public Administration (MPA) | Yes | 12 students | None. |
Key Deadlines
- Spring Semester : December 1, 2024 (preferred deadline).
- Fall Semester : August 1, 2025 (rolling admissions after this date).
Additional Notes
- One-Plus Master’s Program : Complete your master’s degree in just 12 months (available for select programs like MBA).
- Housing : On-campus housing is not available for graduate students. Off-campus housing options must be arranged independently.
- Acceptance Rate : 82% for graduate programs, making it accessible for qualified applicants.
Aurora University Scholarships
Tabulated below are some popular scholarships for international students who are looking to ease their financial burden:
| Scholarship Name | Type | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Year International Award 1 | International Merit | $16,000 (₹1,320,000) | For full-time first-year international students from outside the U.S. No special application needed; awarded upon admission. Renewable for up to three years with full-time status and good academic standing. |
| First-Year International Award 2 | International Merit | $15,000 (₹1,237,500) | For full-time first-year international students from outside the U.S. No special application needed; awarded upon admission. Renewable for up to three years with full-time status and good academic standing. |
| First-Year International Award 3 | International Merit | $12,000 (₹990,000) | For full-time first-year international students from outside the U.S. No special application needed; awarded upon admission. Renewable for up to three years with full-time status and good academic standing. |
| Connection Award | Additional Scholarship | $1,000 (₹82,500) | For full-time international students whose legal home residence is outside Illinois or more than 50 miles from Aurora University. No special application needed; awarded upon admission. Renewable with full-time status and good academic standing. |
| Music Scholarship | Additional Scholarship | $500-$5,000 (₹41,250-₹412,500) | For full-time international students in the music program. Requires audition and participation in the music program. Renewable with full-time status and good academic standing. |
| Theatre Scholarship | Additional Scholarship | $500-$3,500 (₹41,250-₹288,750) | For full-time international students in the theatre program. Requires audition and participation in the theatre program. Renewable with full-time status and good academic standing. |
Aurora University FAQs
Ques: Does Aurora University offer financial aid options like scholarships and awards to international students?
Ans: Yes, scholarships depending on the student’s previous academic standing are rewarded.
Ques: What is the minimum GPA requirement to be eligible for graduate admissions?
Ans: GPA requirements are course-specific for graduate studies and must be checked for the course specifically.
Ques: Are GMAT, GRE, and/or MAT required for graduate admissions at Aurora University?
Ans: No, most popular courses like MBA do not require a GMAT or GRE score.
Ques: Is housing available for international students at Aurora University?
Ans: Yes, Aurora University provides on-campus housing options to its international students.
Ques: Do I need to fill any application to receive financial aid as an international student at Aurora University?
Ans: No. New international admissions are automatically considered for academic score-based scholarships.
Ques: Are online programs available at Aurora University?
Ans: Yes, Aurora University provides most of its programs in online mode as well.
