Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
NC State
$175,768
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | NC State = $124,568. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Auburn Top Majors
EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgricultureNC State Top Majors
EngineeringBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyAgriculture
Need Help Choosing Between Auburn & NC State?
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 NC State harder to get into?+
NC State is more selective with an acceptance rate of 47.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or NC State?+
At sticker price, NC State costs less over 4 years ($175,768 vs $184,336). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while NC State offers $12,800/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and NC State?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at NC State it is 1360. 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 NC State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NC State have a higher average starting salary ($67,100 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 NC State has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and NC State compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. NC State is in Raleigh, North Carolina (urban setting) with 2,110 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and NC State in NCAA D1.