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Auburn University vs Ohio 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
52.0% Ohio State acceptance
$18,264 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
Ohio State
Columbus, Ohio
Public
Founded
1870
Enrollment
61,369
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $3,678
Auburn
$33,044
Ohio State
$36,722
Acceptance Rate Ohio State more selective
Auburn
75.0%
Ohio State
52.0%
Graduation Rate Ohio State higher
Auburn
78%
Ohio State
84%
Avg SAT Score Ohio State higher
Auburn
1270
Ohio State
1340
Starting Salary Ohio State higher
Auburn
$60,200
Ohio State
$63,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn Ohio State Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$36,722Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$12,485Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$13,928Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%52.0%Ohio State
Graduation Rate78%84%Ohio State
Average SAT12701340Ohio State
Student-Faculty Ratio19:119:1Tie
Enrollment33,01561,369-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$14,830Ohio State
Starting Salary$60,200$63,500Ohio State
Endowment$1.1B$7.6BOhio State
Campus Size1,841 acres1,665 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Ohio State = $143,280. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Ohio State Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineering

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
Ohio StateUrban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
Ohio State1,665 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
Ohio StateNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
Ohio StateMidwest
Founded
Auburn1856
Ohio State1870
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
Ohio State61,369

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or Ohio State harder to get into?+
Ohio State is more selective with an acceptance rate of 52.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Ohio State?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $202,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Ohio State offers $14,830/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Ohio State?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at Ohio State it is 1340. 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 Ohio State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Ohio State have a higher average starting salary ($63,500 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 Ohio State has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and Ohio State compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Ohio State is in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with 1,665 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Ohio State in NCAA D1.