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Arizona State University vs Auburn University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
75.0% Auburn acceptance
$3,536 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
Auburn
Auburn, Alabama
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
33,015
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $1,844
ASU
$31,200
Auburn
$33,044
Acceptance Rate Auburn more selective
ASU
88.0%
Auburn
75.0%
Graduation Rate Auburn higher
ASU
69%
Auburn
78%
Avg SAT Score Auburn higher
ASU
1230
Auburn
1270
Starting Salary Auburn higher
ASU
$60,100
Auburn
$60,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU Auburn Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$33,044ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$12,168Auburn
Room & Board$14,000$13,040Auburn
Acceptance Rate88.0%75.0%Auburn
Graduation Rate69%78%Auburn
Average SAT12301270Auburn
Student-Faculty Ratio18:119:1ASU
Enrollment83,44633,015-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$11,600ASU
Starting Salary$60,100$60,200Auburn
Endowment$1.5B$1.1BASU
Campus Size1,695 acres1,841 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | Auburn = $137,936. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
AuburnSuburban
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
Auburn1,841 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
AuburnNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
AuburnSouth
Founded
ASU1885
Auburn1856
Enrollment
ASU83,446
Auburn33,015

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or Auburn harder to get into?+
Auburn is more selective with an acceptance rate of 75.0% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or Auburn?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $184,336). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Auburn offers $11,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and Auburn?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at Auburn it is 1270. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or Auburn graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Auburn have a higher average starting salary ($60,200 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Auburn has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and Auburn compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. Auburn is in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with 1,841 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Auburn in NCAA D1.