Overview
Aurora University Overview
Aurora University is one of the premier Illinois colleges. It is located on two campuses and is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. An Aurora education is guaranteed to change any student's life.
Aurora University was established in 1893 in Mendota, Illinois. Almost 100 years later, George Williams College merged with Aurora University to become George Williams College of Aurora University. Together, Aurora University is now comprised of two campuses: a campus of 30 acres in a tree-lined residential neighborhood in Aurora, Illinois, and the more than 200-acre George Williams College on Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.
Students looking for expert faculty in small classes, hands-on learning, and a strong academic tradition should strongly consider Aurora University. Aurora students transform themselves through one-on-one learning, off-campus internships and clinical experience, ideal class sizes where professors are approachable and know students by name, and interaction with professors whose first priority is teaching. Aurora offers students the personalized attention that leads to success.
Aurora University offers over 40 majors. Furthermore, students who are unsure of an exact major are given the opportunity to begin with classes that interest them. Aurora gives students time to discover their true passion through the general education program and conversations with advisers and professors.
Aurora University Undergraduate Academics
The community of more than 2,300 students at this private, independent, coeducational university is in the pursuit of academic and program options characteristic of a university, as well as the benefits of the personal attention more frequently associated with a small college.
An Aurora education offers students the breadth of a traditional liberal arts curriculum as well as the depth of preparation needed to move confidently into a career. Aurora University offers students "the best of both worlds."
Academic success at Aurora University happens because students are connected with faculty. This student-faculty collaboration is at the heart of the learning enterprise. Whether it is in the classroom, completing an internship, or conducting research, university faculty works with students to chart their course.
Aurora University Extracurricular Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to enrich their college education at Aurora University with additional challenges through the Honors Program. Academically talented students with an ACT score of at least 25 and a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher are encouraged to apply.
Aurora students also get involved outside of the classroom in a growing list of activities, such as NCAA Division III sports, intramurals, and more than 50 musical, literary, religious, social, and service organizations. Students can also develop leadership skills in AUSA, the student government organization, or enjoy singing in the University Chorale or performing in a theatre production.
Additional leadership and volunteer opportunities are available for Aurora University students who wish to become a Resident Assistant (RA), Peer Mentor, Student Ambassador, Spartan Intern, or Dunham Scholar. The Student Work Corps also has positions all around campus.
Aurora University Study Abroad and Career Development
Aurora University operates on a semester calendar. Semesters begin in late August and early January. Commencement is held in early May, followed by a three-week May Term and two summer sessions.
In addition to innovative courses on campus during May Term, study-related travel courses are also offered, allowing students to immerse themselves in another culture and prepare for the global world, all while earning academic credit. Recent trips have included Europe, Asia, and Central and South America.
Aurora prepares students for their future world of work or further education. Over 90 percent of students find employment or enroll in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Both career exploration and preparation for today's competitive job market takes place within the advising and career development offered by the Crouse Center for Student Success. In this process, students receive pointers for their first interview or negotiating a job offer. Aurora University also offers numerous workshops, job fairs, and internship possibilities that are renowned for fostering student preparation for the "real world."
Aurora University Tuition and Financial Aid
Aurora University is affordable, and the school will work with its students to make their education a reality. Over 95 percent of full-time Aurora students receive financial aid. Merit-based scholarships for incoming students are awarded based on high school or college GPA and ACT or SAT score (for first-year students). Aurora University believes in taking students from where they are to where they want to be by following its core values of integrity, citizenship, continuous learning, and excellence.
