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Auburn University vs Stanford University

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
3.6% Stanford acceptance
$142,276 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
Stanford
Stanford, California
Private
Founded
1891
Enrollment
17,680
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $28,687
Auburn
$33,044
Stanford
$61,731
Acceptance Rate Stanford more selective
Auburn
75.0%
Stanford
3.6%
Graduation Rate Stanford higher
Auburn
78%
Stanford
95%
Avg SAT Score Stanford higher
Auburn
1270
Stanford
1550
Starting Salary Stanford higher
Auburn
$60,200
Stanford
$95,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn Stanford Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$61,731Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$61,731Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$19,922Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%3.6%Stanford
Graduation Rate78%95%Stanford
Average SAT12701550Stanford
Student-Faculty Ratio19:15:1Stanford
Enrollment33,01517,680-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$60,070Stanford
Starting Salary$60,200$95,200Stanford
Endowment$1.1B$36.3BStanford
Campus Size1,841 acres8,180 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Stanford
$326,612
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Stanford = $86,332. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Stanford Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBiologyEconomicsHuman Biology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
StanfordSuburban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
Stanford8,180 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
StanfordNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
StanfordWest
Founded
Auburn1856
Stanford1891
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
Stanford17,680

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or Stanford harder to get into?+
Stanford is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.6% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Stanford?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $326,612). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Stanford offers $60,070/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Stanford?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at Stanford it is 1550. 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 Stanford graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Stanford have a higher average starting salary ($95,200 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 Stanford has 5:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and Stanford compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Stanford is in Stanford, California (suburban setting) with 8,180 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Stanford in NCAA D1.