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Auburn University vs Indiana University Bloomington

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
80.0% IU acceptance
$22,392 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
IU
Bloomington, Indiana
Public
Founded
1820
Enrollment
47,527
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $6,140
Auburn
$33,044
IU
$39,184
Acceptance Rate Auburn more selective
Auburn
75.0%
IU
80.0%
Graduation Rate IU higher
Auburn
78%
IU
80%
Avg SAT Score Auburn higher
Auburn
1270
IU
1240
Starting Salary Auburn higher
Auburn
$60,200
IU
$58,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn IU Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$39,184Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$11,614IU
Room & Board$13,040$12,498IU
Acceptance Rate75.0%80.0%Auburn
Graduation Rate78%80%IU
Average SAT12701240Auburn
Student-Faculty Ratio19:115:1IU
Enrollment33,01547,527-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$13,900IU
Starting Salary$60,200$58,900Auburn
Endowment$1.1B$3.6BIU
Campus Size1,841 acres1,940 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
IU
$206,728
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | IU = $151,128. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

IU Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPublic HealthInformaticsMedia

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
IUSuburban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
IU1,940 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
IUNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
IUMidwest
Founded
Auburn1856
IU1820
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
IU47,527

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or IU harder to get into?+
Auburn is more selective with an acceptance rate of 75.0% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or IU?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $206,728). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while IU offers $13,900/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and IU?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at IU it is 1240. 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 IU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Auburn have a higher average starting salary ($60,200 vs $58,900). 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 IU has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and IU compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. IU is in Bloomington, Indiana (suburban setting) with 1,940 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and IU in NCAA D1.