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Auburn University vs Brown University

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
5.0% Brown acceptance
$149,008 Auburn cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Auburn
Auburn, Alabama
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
33,015
Setting
Suburban
Brown
Providence, Rhode Island
Private
Founded
1764
Enrollment
10,696
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $32,612
Auburn
$33,044
Brown
$65,656
Acceptance Rate Brown more selective
Auburn
75.0%
Brown
5.0%
Graduation Rate Brown higher
Auburn
78%
Brown
96%
Avg SAT Score Brown higher
Auburn
1270
Brown
1530
Starting Salary Brown higher
Auburn
$60,200
Brown
$77,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn Brown Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$65,656Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$65,656Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$17,680Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%5.0%Brown
Graduation Rate78%96%Brown
Average SAT12701530Brown
Student-Faculty Ratio19:16:1Brown
Enrollment33,01510,696-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$52,820Brown
Starting Salary$60,200$77,400Brown
Endowment$1.1B$6.6BBrown
Campus Size1,841 acres146 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Brown
$333,344
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Brown = $122,064. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Brown Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyApplied MathematicsHistory

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
BrownUrban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
Brown146 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
BrownNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
BrownNortheast
Founded
Auburn1856
Brown1764
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
Brown10,696

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or Brown harder to get into?+
Brown is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Brown?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $333,344). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Brown offers $52,820/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Brown?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at Brown it is 1530. 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 Auburn or Brown graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Brown have a higher average starting salary ($77,400 vs $60,200). 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?+
Auburn has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Brown has 6:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and Brown compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Brown is in Providence, Rhode Island (urban setting) with 146 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Brown in NCAA D1.