
Aurora University is a private university in Aurora, Illinois, whose history began in 1893 as Mendota Seminary in Mendota, Illinois. The school was founded in connection with the Advent Christian tradition and initially emphasized religious and general education.
It moved to Aurora in 1911, became Aurora College, and adopted the name Aurora University in 1985 as its academic offerings expanded. Its history helps explain the present-day combination of liberal arts, professional programs, and graduate study. Applicants comparing programs should distinguish the university's Aurora campus from offerings associated with George Williams College of Aurora University in Wisconsin.
Aurora University offers undergraduate and graduate study across the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, health professions, and social services. Prospective students can explore majors such as biology, computer science, psychology, business administration, nursing, social work, and teacher education, along with graduate and professional programs.
These fields have different paths to a credential. Nursing, teaching, and social work students, for example, should check the requirements of their specific program as well as any licensing rules in the state where they intend to work. The university also offers study beyond the traditional full-time bachelor's degree, making program format and campus location important details for transfer students and working adults.
Aurora University's main campus is in Aurora, Illinois, a city west of Chicago. Its setting gives students access to a sizable surrounding community while allowing many to travel to classes from home: institutional figures indicate that about 83% of students commute.
Prospective commuters should account for travel time, parking, and the availability of courses at the times they need. First-year students are permitted to park a car on campus. The university also has offerings associated with George Williams College in Williams Bay, Wisconsin; applicants should verify where their particular program's classes and services are delivered rather than assuming that every offering is based in Aurora.
Aurora University describes its mission in terms of an inclusive learning community and the transformative power of education. Its stated educational approach joins liberal arts study with preparation for professions and service.
Those statements describe the university's aims, not a measured outcome for every student. Applicants can assess how the aims appear in a particular major by examining its curriculum, experiential requirements, advising arrangements, and expected learning outcomes. The institution's origins are connected to the Advent Christian tradition; students evaluating its current campus experience should consult present-day university policies rather than assume that its founding affiliation determines every aspect of instruction or student life.
Name of the institution
Aurora UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Suburb: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
5,000 - 9,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1893Aurora University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarshipData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.