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Auburn University vs Rutgers University

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
68.0% Rutgers acceptance
$12,800 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
Rutgers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Public
Founded
1766
Enrollment
51,000
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $1,420
Auburn
$33,044
Rutgers
$34,464
Acceptance Rate Rutgers more selective
Auburn
75.0%
Rutgers
68.0%
Graduation Rate Rutgers higher
Auburn
78%
Rutgers
82%
Avg SAT Score Rutgers higher
Auburn
1270
Rutgers
1340
Starting Salary Rutgers higher
Auburn
$60,200
Rutgers
$67,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn Rutgers Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$34,464Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$16,499Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$14,820Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%68.0%Rutgers
Graduation Rate78%82%Rutgers
Average SAT12701340Rutgers
Student-Faculty Ratio19:116:1Rutgers
Enrollment33,01551,000-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$14,500Rutgers
Starting Salary$60,200$67,200Rutgers
Endowment$1.1B$2.0BRutgers
Campus Size1,841 acres2,685 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Rutgers
$197,136
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Rutgers = $139,136. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Rutgers Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
RutgersSuburban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
Rutgers2,685 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
RutgersNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
RutgersNortheast
Founded
Auburn1856
Rutgers1766
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
Rutgers51,000

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or Rutgers harder to get into?+
Rutgers is more selective with an acceptance rate of 68.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Rutgers?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $197,136). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Rutgers offers $14,500/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Rutgers?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at Rutgers 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 Rutgers graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Rutgers have a higher average starting salary ($67,200 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 Rutgers has 16:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and Rutgers compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Rutgers is in New Brunswick, New Jersey (suburban setting) with 2,685 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Rutgers in NCAA D1.