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Auburn University vs UCLA

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
8.6% UCLA acceptance
$60,344 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
UCLA
Los Angeles, California
Public
Founded
1919
Enrollment
47,606
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $10,895
Auburn
$33,044
UCLA
$43,939
Acceptance Rate UCLA more selective
Auburn
75.0%
UCLA
8.6%
Graduation Rate UCLA higher
Auburn
78%
UCLA
92%
Avg SAT Score UCLA higher
Auburn
1270
UCLA
1405
Starting Salary UCLA higher
Auburn
$60,200
UCLA
$68,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn UCLA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$43,939Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$13,401Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$17,231Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%8.6%UCLA
Graduation Rate78%92%UCLA
Average SAT12701405UCLA
Student-Faculty Ratio19:118:1UCLA
Enrollment33,01547,606-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$21,490UCLA
Starting Salary$60,200$68,700UCLA
Endowment$1.1B$8.0BUCLA
Campus Size1,841 acres419 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UCLA
$244,680
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | UCLA = $158,720. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

UCLA Top Majors

BiologyPsychologyEconomicsPolitical ScienceSociology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
UCLAUrban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
UCLA419 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
UCLANCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
UCLAWest
Founded
Auburn1856
UCLA1919
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
UCLA47,606

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or UCLA harder to get into?+
UCLA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 8.6% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or UCLA?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $244,680). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while UCLA offers $21,490/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and UCLA?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at UCLA it is 1405. 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 UCLA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UCLA have a higher average starting salary ($68,700 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 UCLA has 18:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and UCLA compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. UCLA is in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with 419 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UCLA in NCAA D1.