Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Columbia
$331,756
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Columbia = $108,476. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Auburn Top Majors
EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgricultureColumbia Top Majors
EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceEngineeringNeuroscience
Need Help Choosing Between Auburn & Columbia?
Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.
Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation
✓ Expert admissions advisors
✓ No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auburn or Columbia harder to get into?+
Columbia is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.9% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Columbia?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $331,756). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Columbia offers $55,820/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Columbia?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at Columbia it is 1535. 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 Columbia graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Columbia have a higher average starting salary ($89,200 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 Columbia has 6:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and Columbia compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Columbia is in New York, New York (urban setting) with 299 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Columbia in NCAA D1.