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Auburn University vs Princeton University

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
3.5% Princeton acceptance
$132,024 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
Princeton
Princeton, New Jersey
Private
Founded
1746
Enrollment
8,478
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $26,666
Auburn
$33,044
Princeton
$59,710
Acceptance Rate Princeton more selective
Auburn
75.0%
Princeton
3.5%
Graduation Rate Princeton higher
Auburn
78%
Princeton
97%
Avg SAT Score Princeton higher
Auburn
1270
Princeton
1546
Starting Salary Princeton higher
Auburn
$60,200
Princeton
$90,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn Princeton Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$59,710Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$59,710Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$19,380Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%3.5%Princeton
Graduation Rate78%97%Princeton
Average SAT12701546Princeton
Student-Faculty Ratio19:14:1Princeton
Enrollment33,0158,478-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$59,710Princeton
Starting Salary$60,200$90,100Princeton
Endowment$1.1B$35.8BPrinceton
Campus Size1,841 acres600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Princeton
$316,360
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Princeton = $77,520. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Princeton Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsPublic PolicyEngineeringHistory

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
PrincetonSuburban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
Princeton600 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
PrincetonNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
PrincetonNortheast
Founded
Auburn1856
Princeton1746
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
Princeton8,478

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or Princeton harder to get into?+
Princeton is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.5% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Princeton?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $316,360). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Princeton offers $59,710/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Princeton?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at Princeton it is 1546. 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 Princeton graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Princeton have a higher average starting salary ($90,100 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 Princeton has 4:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and Princeton compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Princeton is in Princeton, New Jersey (suburban setting) with 600 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Princeton in NCAA D1.