Aurora University
Aurora University is a private non-profit higher education institution headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, operating three campuses plus online programs that serve undergraduate, graduate, transfer, international, online, and veteran students across 60+ majors and multiple master's degrees.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1893
- HeadquartersAurora, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Aurora University does
Aurora University is a private non-profit higher education institution headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, operating three physical campuses — the main Aurora campus, a Woodstock, Illinois location, and the George Williams College campus in Williams Bay, Wisconsin — alongside a 100% online degree portal at online.aurora.edu. The institution delivers more than 60 undergraduate majors, multiple graduate programs including MS in Athletic Training, MBA, MPA, MSW, and criminal justice, accelerated Plus One master's pathways, and a fully online program portfolio, supported by a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 20,000-student-plus experiential learning pipeline where 76% of students participate in internships, clinical rotations, field experiences, or practicum.
The institution's core technology stack consists of the Brightspace learning management system for online and hybrid course delivery and Okta for single sign-on identity management across university systems. Instructional delivery is supplemented by a network of clinical rotation, internship, and employer partnerships with major healthcare systems (Northwestern Medicine, Lurie Children's, Advocate Medical Group), professional services firms (PwC, Grant Thornton, Sikich), federal agencies (FBI, DHS, U.S. Senate), and NCAA athletics programs, including the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Red Stars. The institution holds Higher Learning Commission institutional accreditation and specialized program accreditations from CAATE (Athletic Training) and NSCA (Exercise Science), and operates 25 NCAA Division III athletic teams.
Revenue is generated primarily through tuition and fees across undergraduate, graduate, and online programs (recurring, subscription-like model), supplemented by auxiliary revenue streams including campus bookstore operations, parking services, and external facility rentals. The go-to-market motion is sales-led, employing a traditional higher education enrollment model targeting undergraduate freshmen, transfer students, graduate students, international students, online learners, and military veterans through campus visits, application portals, virtual information sessions, and community outreach. Financial aid, including the Robert Noyce STEM Teacher Scholarship of up to $18,000 annually, offsets costs for qualifying students, and the institution markets an "affordable cost" value proposition with public Net Price Calculators.
Aurora University firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Aurora University
- Legal name
- Aurora University
- Website
- https://aurora.edu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1893
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Aurora University is a private non-profit higher education institution headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, operating three campuses plus online programs that serve undergraduate, graduate, transfer, international, online, and veteran students across 60+ majors and multiple master's degrees.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Aurora University industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary) (EDAHABAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Land-Grant–Like/Extension-Oriented Private Research Universities (Applied Outreach) (EDAHABAK)
Keywords
Where Aurora University is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Aurora
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Aurora University business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: Primary revenue from undergraduate and graduate tuition, with online programs, on-campus programs, and various degree levels. Financial aid available to offset costs for qualifying students.
- Campus Services: Revenue from campus bookstore operations, parking services, and facility rentals to external parties.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Robert Noyce STEM Teacher Scholarship - up to $18,000 annually for eligible students |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Aurora University product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Aurora University is a private non-profit higher education institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs across more than 60 academic majors, including business, healthcare, science, education, and social sciences. The university delivers instruction through traditional on-campus programs at three physical campuses (Aurora, Woodstock, and Williams Bay), accelerated one-year master's degrees, and 100% online degree pathways. Revenue is driven primarily by tuition and fees, supported by campus services including bookstore, parking, and facility rentals.
Product overview
Aurora University is a higher education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs and student services. The university provides undergraduate degree programs across 60+ majors, graduate programs including accelerated master's degrees, and 100% online programs. Key academic offerings include Athletic Training (MS) with CAATE accreditation, Accounting (BS) aligned with CPA standards, Environmental Studies and Sustainability, and accelerated graduate pathways. Beyond academics, the university supports students through services including Campus Public Safety, Career Services with the Spartan Attic clothing program, AUSA Student Government, and an on-campus bookstore.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- George Williams College: College within Aurora University named after the founder of the YMCA, located at the George Williams Campus in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.
Products and services
- Undergraduate Programs Traditional four-year bachelor's degree programs across more than 60 academic areas including business, healthcare, science, education, and social sciences. Targeted at undergraduate freshmen seeking a residential college experience.
- Graduate Programs Master's degree programs including Athletic Training (MS), Business Administration (MBA), Criminal Justice, and Public Administration offered in accelerated one-year formats. Targeted at graduate students seeking advanced degrees.
- Online Programs 100% online degree programs for remote students including criminal justice bachelor's, exercise science master's, and public administration. Delivered through a dedicated online portal at online.aurora.edu. Targeted at online and remote learners.
- Accelerated Advantage Programs Accelerated graduate degree programs (Plus One) allowing students to complete a master's degree in one year while gaining professional experience. Targeted at students seeking accelerated degree completion.
- Athletic Training (MS) Master's degree in Athletic Training with CAATE accreditation, combining anatomy, physiology, and sports injury treatment knowledge through hands-on coursework and clinical rotations. Targeted at students pursuing careers in athletic training.
- Accounting (BS) Bachelor's degree in accounting with CPA exam preparation, designed to align with Illinois CPA standards and includes internship opportunities. Targeted at students pursuing accounting careers.
- Environmental Studies and Sustainability BA in Environmental Studies and Sustainability combining natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities with focus on environmental challenges and communication across disciplines. Targeted at students interested in environmental careers.
- George Williams College Programs College within Aurora University located at the Williams Bay, Wisconsin campus, named after YMCA founder George Williams. Houses recreation administration program with historical connection to the YMCA movement.
- Transfer Student Programs Transfer admission pathways for students from community colleges and other institutions to complete their bachelor's degree at Aurora University. Targeted at transfer students seeking credit transfer efficiency.
- University Bookstore On-campus and online bookstore offering textbooks, school supplies, apparel, and gear located in Dunham Hall on the Aurora campus. Targeted at students, faculty, and the broader campus community.
Quantifiable outcome
- 76% of students participate in internships, field experiences, student teaching, clinical rotation, or practicum
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Aurora University
Customer profileNamed customers24 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Aurora University technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Aurora University partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
32 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine RockfordcoreGuaranteed admission agreement allowing qualified AU students to earn direct path to Master of Science in Medical Biotechnology degree. Students interested in the program should contact the chair of biology and physical sciences.
- DePaul University College of LawcorePre-law affiliation agreement providing qualified AU students with pathway considerations for law school admission
- Northern Illinois University College of LawcorePre-law affiliation agreement providing qualified AU students with pathway considerations for law school admission
- Marquette University Law SchoolcorePre-law affiliation agreement providing qualified AU students with pathway considerations for law school admission
- Advocate Medical GroupminorClinical rotation site for athletic training graduate students, providing hands-on patient care experience
- Northwestern MedicineminorClinical rotation site for athletic training students offering healthcare exposure
- Lurie Children's HospitalminorClinical rotation site for athletic training students in pediatric healthcare setting
- Northwestern UniversityminorPartner institution for athletic training clinical rotations; AU students have traveled with Northwestern football team for international experiences
- Benedictine UniversityminorClinical rotation site partner for athletic training education
- Chicago Red StarsminorProfessional sports organization providing clinical rotation opportunities for athletic training students
- Hinsdale OrthopedicsminorClinical rotation site for athletic training students specializing in orthopedic care
- OrthoIllinoisminorClinical rotation site for athletic training students in orthopedic specialty
- Morton ArboretumminorInternship site for biology students through Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area
- Shedd AquariumminorInternship site for biology students through Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area
- Argonne National LabsminorInternship and research experience site for biology and science students
- Illinois CPA SocietycoreMary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program partnership promoting diversity in accounting profession with access to training, resources, and mentors
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)minorBig Four accounting firm that employs AU accounting graduates
- Grant ThorntonminorAccounting firm employer of AU accounting graduates
- SikichminorGlobal accounting and consulting firm; internship site and employer of AU graduates including Isabel Schultz '22
- BoeingminorEmployer of AU athletic training graduates Hayley Stout '18 and Katherine Norris '20 for worker wellness programs
- IMG AcademyminorInternship site for exercise science students at sports performance facility
- Loyola University ChicagominorInternship site for exercise science students
- George Williams College (Williams Bay, Wisconsin)coreCampus of Aurora University named after YMCA founder George Williams; houses recreation administration program with historical connection to YMCA movement
- Philadelphia Insurance CompaniesminorInternship site for environmental studies student Angie Lopez '23 on environmental underwriting team
- Orange County CoastkeeperminorNonprofit clean-water organization; internship site for biology and environmental studies student Courtney Rickard
- Amazon Web ServicesminorInternship site for psychology student Darryl Harris in sourcing recruiter role for technical sales
- AvanademinorJoint venture between Accenture and Microsoft; remote software engineering internship for McKyley Cherry
- Kane County State's Attorney OfficeminorInternship site for criminal justice and political science student Joshua Hunter '24
- Kendall County State's Attorney OfficeminorInternship site for criminal justice student Joshua Hunter '24
- Hesed HouseminorInternship site for political science and public policy students
- Illinois General AssemblyminorInternship site for political science students providing government experience
- Chicago-Kent College of LawcorePLUS (Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars) program partner; Joshua Hunter '24 attended their summer program
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Aurora University competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- DePaul University: Largest private university in Illinois, headquartered in Chicago, with a substantially broader program portfolio, larger enrollment, and stronger national brand. Partners with Aurora via pre-law affiliation but also competes for Chicago-area talent at a higher price point.
- Wheaton College: Larger, more established private Christian liberal arts college in Wheaton, Illinois with stronger brand and broader resources. Competes for the same Illinois high-achieving undergraduate segment but at a higher price point and with greater prestige.
Direct peers
- Concordia University Chicago: Private Lutheran university in River Forest, Illinois with comparable program breadth, accelerated graduate offerings, and similar enrollment scale. Direct competitor in Chicago-area private university segment.
- Illinois Wesleyan University: Private liberal arts university in Bloomington, Illinois with similar-sized enrollment and comparable NCAA Division III athletics model. Comparable private non-profit comprehensive university in Illinois.
- Lewis University: Private Catholic university in Romeoville, Illinois with similar undergraduate/graduate program mix, NCAA Division II athletics, and Chicago-area recruitment footprint. Direct competitor for transfer and commuter students.
- Benedictine University: Private Catholic university in Lisle, Illinois offering undergraduate and graduate programs with similar size, mission, and competitive positioning in the Chicago western suburbs. Direct regional competitor for tuition-paying students.
- Dominican University: Private Catholic comprehensive university in River Forest, Illinois with overlapping undergraduate program mix and Chicago-area recruitment. Comparable scale and tuition positioning.
- University of St. Francis: Private Catholic university in Joliet, Illinois with comparable size, professional program emphasis (especially healthcare and education), and Chicago-area commuter student base. Direct competitor in regional market.
- North Central College: Private comprehensive liberal arts college in Naperville, Illinois serving a similar Illinois student profile with comparable NCAA Division III athletics and accelerated graduate offerings. Highly overlapping value proposition and recruitment geography.
- Elmhurst University: Private comprehensive university in Elmhurst, Illinois competing for similar commuter and residential undergraduate populations in the Chicago western suburbs with comparable professional and pre-professional programs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Aurora University social profiles
Digital presenceAurora University compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Aurora University financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Aurora University leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Aurora University funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Aurora University M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Aurora University
What does Aurora University do?
Aurora University is a private non-profit higher education institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs across more than 60 academic majors, including business, healthcare, science, education, and social sciences. The university delivers instruction through traditional on-campus programs at three physical campuses (Aurora, Woodstock, and Williams Bay), accelerated one-year master's degrees, and 100% online degree pathways. Revenue is driven primarily by tuition and fees, supported by campus services including bookstore, parking, and facility rentals.
Is Aurora University a public or private company?
Aurora University is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Aurora University founded?
Aurora University was founded in 1893. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Aurora University based?
Aurora University is headquartered in Aurora, United States, in the North America region.
How does Aurora University make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are campus Services.
Who are Aurora University's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are DePaul University and Wheaton College. Direct peers are Concordia University Chicago, Illinois Wesleyan University, Lewis University, Benedictine University, Dominican University, University of St. Francis, North Central College and Elmhurst University.
Does Aurora University have an API?
No public API is recorded for Aurora University.
What industry is Aurora University in?
Aurora University's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHABAA, Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary), with a secondary code of EDAHABAK, Land-Grant–Like/Extension-Oriented Private Research Universities (Applied Outreach). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.