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Auburn University vs NYU

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
12.2% NYU acceptance
$143,728 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
NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $27,394
Auburn
$33,044
NYU
$60,438
Acceptance Rate NYU more selective
Auburn
75.0%
NYU
12.2%
Graduation Rate NYU higher
Auburn
78%
NYU
87%
Avg SAT Score NYU higher
Auburn
1270
NYU
1480
Starting Salary NYU higher
Auburn
$60,200
NYU
$74,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn NYU Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$60,438Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$60,438Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$21,578Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%12.2%NYU
Graduation Rate78%87%NYU
Average SAT12701480NYU
Student-Faculty Ratio19:18:1NYU
Enrollment33,01559,144-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$38,960NYU
Starting Salary$60,200$74,100NYU
Endowment$1.1B$6.2BNYU
Campus Size1,841 acres230 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | NYU = $172,224. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
NYUUrban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
NYU230 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
NYUNCAA D3
Region
AuburnSouth
NYUNortheast
Founded
Auburn1856
NYU1831
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
NYU59,144

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or NYU harder to get into?+
NYU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or NYU?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while NYU offers $38,960/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and NYU?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at NYU it is 1480. 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 NYU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NYU have a higher average starting salary ($74,100 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 NYU has 8:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and NYU compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. NYU is in New York, New York (urban setting) with 230 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and NYU in NCAA D3.