Within a few years of its founding, the seminary changed its name to Mendota College, and broadened its programs into a traditional liberal arts curriculum.

In November 2022, Aurora University announced plans to end academic use of the campus in 2024 and continue operations as a conference center.

[14] The museum was founded when Herbert and Martha Schingoethe commissioned the building of Dunham Hall, which opened to the public in 1990 and which housed their donated collection of 6000 artifacts.

The first class Pathways Collegiate Program freshmen and transfer students started in the 2022-23 academic year.

[22] The Higher Learning Commission accredits Aurora University at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.

[23] The Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor training program is accredited by the Illinois Certification Board.

The university is a member of the Division III level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC; formerly known as the Northern Athletics Conference (NAC) until after the 2012–13 school year) since the 2006–07 academic year; while its men's and women’s hockey teams compete in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) and men’s and women’s wrestling and women’s bowling teams compete in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW).

[25] Aurora competes in 24 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, track and field (indoor and outdoor), volleyball and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, track and field (indoor and outdoor), volleyball and wrestling.