Aurora University

What does Aurora University offer in terms of athletics?

Aurora University provides a variety of athletic programs competing primarily in NCAA Division III. The university fields both men's and women's sports teams that participate in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC). Students have opportunities to engage in traditional team sports such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball, alongside other options including baseball and softball. The athletic department emphasizes a balance between competitive play and academic success, encouraging student-athletes to excel in their studies while representing the university in intercollegiate sports.

What student groups and Associations are available at Aurora University?

Aurora University offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests and professional goals. Among these groups are the Latin American Student Organization, the Student Nurses' Association, the Psychology Club of Aurora University, the Social Work Association, and AU HOSA-Future Health Professionals.

These organizations provide students with opportunities to engage in community activities, develop leadership skills, and enhance their academic experience through peer support and networking. With a student body comprising approximately 1,249 men and 2,393 women, these associations play a vital role in fostering a collaborative campus environment.

Who studies at Aurora University?

Aurora University hosts a diverse student population with varied backgrounds and ages, providing an environment where many types of learners come together. The undergraduate cohort is predominantly young adults, with the largest groups aged 18 to 21, reflecting a traditional college-age demographic. However, the university also serves a substantial number of older students, including those in their mid-20s to late 40s, highlighting its appeal to non-traditional and returning students. Graduate students tend to be older, with many in their late 20s to 40s, indicating that Aurora University attracts individuals seeking advanced degrees later in their careers.

In terms of student origin, a significant majority are in-state residents, placing Aurora University in the top 25% nationally for in-state student enrollment. Out-of-state students represent a much smaller portion, ranking in the lower 30% compared to other institutions. Nearly all students are from the United States, with international representation being quite limited.

The university's new student population is balanced between freshmen and transfer students. Freshmen numbers are moderate, situated in the bottom half nationally, while transfer students are slightly more prominent, ranking in the upper half. Overall, the first-year entering class totals reflect a mid-range size compared to similar institutions.

The ethnic composition of the student body shows a mixture of backgrounds with a strong Hispanic presence that places the university in the higher 40% nationally for Hispanic student enrollment. Other ethnic groups such as African American, White, Asian, Native American, and multiracial students are present in moderate proportions, each generally ranking in the lower 45% to 50% ranges. Additionally, there is a notable portion of students whose race or ethnicity is not reported, corresponding to an upper 40% rank in this category.

How does student life look like at Aurora University?

Aurora University offers a campus environment spanning approximately 70 acres, providing students with various cultural and wellness resources. The university supports a range of performing arts opportunities, including drama and chorus activities, fostering creative engagement outside of the classroom.

Health and well-being are also addressed through available services such as a health clinic and psychological counseling, which help support student mental and physical health. Additionally, the campus includes an office dedicated to veterans' affairs, offering specialized support for veteran students.

While Aurora University does not maintain student-run media such as a campus newspaper, radio, or TV station, nor does it host a band, the existing creative outlets and health services contribute to a balanced student experience. The presence of counseling and health facilities highlights a commitment to student support, which prospective students may find reassuring.

What libraries are available to students at Aurora University?

Aurora University students have access to two libraries, which is an average number for similar institutions and places the university in the top half nationally for library availability. The main facility is the Charles B. Phillips Library, supported by one additional library resource.

The combined collection includes about 13,699 physical books, a modest size that falls into the lower 40th percentile compared to peer institutions. Subscriptions total 39, also reflecting a position in the lower 40 percent nationally.

Digital collections at Aurora University are more substantial, with over 666,000 eBooks and approximately 138,000 digital subscriptions, both situating the university near the median range for digital academic resources. The library maintains 118 databases, another figure close to the median.

Students benefit from 95 weekly service hours encompassing physical and digital access, though the libraries do not offer all-day access. Facilities include study rooms and trained staff to support academic research. Furthermore, there is access to shared collections, expanding the range of available materials beyond the immediate holdings of the university's two libraries.