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Auburn University vs University of Alabama

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
80.0% Alabama acceptance
$6,336 Alabama 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
Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Public
Founded
1831
Enrollment
39,975
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Alabama saves $644
Auburn
$33,044
Alabama
$32,400
Acceptance Rate Auburn more selective
Auburn
75.0%
Alabama
80.0%
Graduation Rate Auburn higher
Auburn
78%
Alabama
73%
Avg SAT Score Auburn higher
Auburn
1270
Alabama
1260
Starting Salary Auburn higher
Auburn
$60,200
Alabama
$58,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn Alabama Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$32,400Alabama
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$11,580Alabama
Room & Board$13,040$12,100Alabama
Acceptance Rate75.0%80.0%Auburn
Graduation Rate78%73%Auburn
Average SAT12701260Auburn
Student-Faculty Ratio19:119:1Tie
Enrollment33,01539,975-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$13,100Alabama
Starting Salary$60,200$58,400Auburn
Endowment$1.1B$2.2BAlabama
Campus Size1,841 acres1,168 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Alabama
$178,000
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Alabama = $125,600. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Alabama Top Majors

BusinessNursingEngineeringCommunicationBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
AlabamaSuburban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
Alabama1,168 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
AlabamaNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
AlabamaSouth
Founded
Auburn1856
Alabama1831
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
Alabama39,975

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or Alabama harder to get into?+
Auburn is more selective with an acceptance rate of 75.0% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Alabama?+
At sticker price, Alabama costs less over 4 years ($178,000 vs $184,336). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Alabama offers $13,100/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Alabama?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at Alabama it is 1260. 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 Alabama graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Auburn have a higher average starting salary ($60,200 vs $58,400). 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 Alabama has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and Alabama compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Alabama is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (suburban setting) with 1,168 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Alabama in NCAA D1.