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Auburn University vs Florida State University

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
25.0% FSU acceptance
$49,444 FSU 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
FSU
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
46,944
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition FSU saves $11,361
Auburn
$33,044
FSU
$21,683
Acceptance Rate FSU more selective
Auburn
75.0%
FSU
25.0%
Graduation Rate FSU higher
Auburn
78%
FSU
83%
Avg SAT Score FSU higher
Auburn
1270
FSU
1310
Starting Salary Auburn higher
Auburn
$60,200
FSU
$59,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn FSU Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$21,683FSU
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$6,517FSU
Room & Board$13,040$12,040FSU
Acceptance Rate75.0%25.0%FSU
Graduation Rate78%83%FSU
Average SAT12701310FSU
Student-Faculty Ratio19:121:1Auburn
Enrollment33,01546,944-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$12,400FSU
Starting Salary$60,200$59,800Auburn
Endowment$1.1B$1.1BTie
Campus Size1,841 acres1,427 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
FSU
$134,892
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | FSU = $85,292. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

FSU Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCriminologyEngineering

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
FSUUrban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
FSU1,427 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
FSUNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
FSUSouth
Founded
Auburn1856
FSU1851
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
FSU46,944

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or FSU harder to get into?+
FSU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 25.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or FSU?+
At sticker price, FSU costs less over 4 years ($134,892 vs $184,336). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while FSU offers $12,400/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and FSU?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at FSU it is 1310. 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 FSU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Auburn have a higher average starting salary ($60,200 vs $59,800). 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 FSU has 21:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and FSU compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. FSU is in Tallahassee, Florida (urban setting) with 1,427 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and FSU in NCAA D1.