Aurora University vs North Central College: which has better ROI?
North Central College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $84,176 in 7.2 years versus 7.3 years at Aurora University, on median earnings of $60,123 vs $58,709 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Aurora University | North Central College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,838 | $21,044 |
| Total net cost | $75,352 | $84,176 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,709 | $60,123 |
| Median debt | $20,318 | $24,500 |
| Payback | 7.3 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $131,628 | $151,084 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Aurora University or North Central College?
Aurora University, at $18,838 a year after aid versus $21,044 — a gap of $2,206 a year, or $8,824 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Aurora University or North Central College graduates earn more?
North Central College graduates report a median $60,123 ten years after entry, $1,414 more than the $58,709 at Aurora University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Aurora University or North Central College?
Aurora University: its completers carry a median $20,318 in federal loans versus $24,500 at North Central College, a difference of $4,182. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
64% of students finish at North Central College, against 60% at Aurora University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.