Aurora University vs NIU

ElBirdos · Apr 26, 2009

Hi,
I'm considering both NIU and Aurora University for nursing school (I have been accepted as a Freshman to both) and have a few questions.
First off, does anyone know what the actual acceptance rate to get into the nursing program at either of these schools is? What I mean is that how many are accepted into the actual nursing program as a Junior versus the number of applicants. I'm wondering which school I'd have a better chance at getting into the program.
I'm also wondering how the schools compare in terms of education quality and the opportunities for finding great nursing jobs depending on where I would graduate.
If anyone has experience with either of these schools, I'd really appreciate hearing from you!
Thanks,
Nikki

I'm just about finished with my junior year at AU, so here's what I know:

I applied and was admitted to both AU and NIU, but decided to go to AU for a couple of reasons. First, NIU's nursing program is five semesters long (and I had been admitted for spring 2009, so it would have taken me a full year longer to graduate from NIU.) AU costs quite a bit more, but I figure that extra year of working will more than make up for the difference in cost. Second, I graduated from NIU in a different field, and just couldn't stand the thought of five more semesters in DeKalb.

I seem to remember hearing that AU admitted about 1 out of 3 applicants when I applied, but I don't really know if that's accurate. I also heard that NIU admits about 1 out of 10, so AU would be statistically easier to get into. Both schools accept transfer students into their nursing programs, so you could apply to either (or both) regardless of where you go for your first two years. Again, NIU would be the low-cost way to go, but their introductory courses can be large and impersonal. I took my prereqs at a community college, and I was pretty happy with it, especially the A&P courses (two semesters, 8 credits, with cadavers - NIU crams the A&P into 1 semester, and I don't believe that course uses cadavers). I don't think AU has cadavers either, but their intro classes are pretty small, as far as I know.

As far as the actual nursing school is concerned, I can only discuss AU. I don't think anybody actually enjoys nursing school, but I can't really complain about AU too much. Most of the instructors are good, and several of them are outstanding. There are only eight (I think) full time faculty, so you'd have at least one class with just about all of them by the time you finished. Clinicals are mostly at local hospitals, like Rush-Copley, Delnor, Mercy, CDH, etc., except for Peds, which tends to be in Chicago (Children's or Shriner's). I haven't ever run into any NIU students at clinicals, but I imagine there's some overlap.

I suspect one could land a great nursing job after graduating from either program, especially if the economy has improved by the time graduation rolls around. 100% of AU grads passed the NCLEX last year, and their passing percentage is always in the high 90s or better. NIU might have more of a reputation, if that's a concern, but I don't think you could go wrong either way.

Hope this helps - feel free to ask anything else, but I'm new and can't do PMs yet.

CDNtobe · Aug 6, 2009

Are you saying that NIU has a much better reputation than Aurora? I would like to hear a few more details from anyone on this topic. Thanks!

Sparikh516 · Jul 12, 2010

Hello! I am junior at UIC and want to apply to the Aurora University Nursing Program. I have a cumul. gpa of 3.29 and failed my nursing orgo class but will be retaking it this summer. My question was what is the average gpa to get in and when would be the best time to apply? Also who has taken this TEAS exam? Is it hard?

Thank you!

NIUnurs2be · Jul 13, 2010

For those interested in NIU, I made the decision to transfer to NIU after three years at Augustana in hopes of getting accepted into the nursing program at NIU for next fall, because students at Northern are accepted first, it is extremely difficult to be accepted as a transfer (but not impossible).

I have been corresponding via e-mail with the undergraduate admissions department at NIU and based on last year's data, the average gpa to get accepted into the program is 3.3 to a 3.4, but this varies on the applicant pool every year. So I hope this helps.

KB24 · Jul 14, 2010

For those interested in NIU, I made the decision to transfer to NIU after three years at Augustana in hopes of getting accepted into the nursing program at NIU for next fall, because students at Northern are accepted first, it is extremely difficult to be accepted as a transfer (but not impossible).
I have been corresponding via e-mail with the undergraduate admissions department at NIU and based on last year's data, the average gpa to get accepted into the program is 3.3 to a 3.4, but this varies on the applicant pool every year. So I hope this helps.

Good luck with school and I think you made the right decision. :yeah:

NIUnurs2be · Jul 14, 2010

Thank you so much. It is kind of a big risk, but I hope it will pay off. Thanks again : )

NurseNg88 · Aug 19, 2010

I graduated from NIU.

I was accepted in the university and the School of Nursing right out of high school. (My GPA was 4.9/5). My roommate was not accepted till the semester after me. I also had a couple friends who couldn't get into the program.

Clinical sites are pretty far if you do decide to live on campus. There is only 1 clinical site actually in Dekalb.

I thought the program was pretty good....but its the only one I have experience with.

Sparikh516 · Jan 8, 2011

Hello! I recently applied to NIU Nursing as a transfer student. My gpa is a 3.38. How many students do they accept into the program? How many of them are transfer on average?