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Auburn University vs University of Georgia

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
39.0% UGA acceptance
$11,496 UGA 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
UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $1,924
Auburn
$33,044
UGA
$31,120
Acceptance Rate UGA more selective
Auburn
75.0%
UGA
39.0%
Graduation Rate UGA higher
Auburn
78%
UGA
88%
Avg SAT Score UGA higher
Auburn
1270
UGA
1340
Starting Salary Auburn higher
Auburn
$60,200
UGA
$58,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn UGA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$31,120UGA
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$12,080UGA
Room & Board$13,040$12,090UGA
Acceptance Rate75.0%39.0%UGA
Graduation Rate78%88%UGA
Average SAT12701340UGA
Student-Faculty Ratio19:117:1UGA
Enrollment33,01541,652-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$12,980UGA
Starting Salary$60,200$58,700Auburn
Endowment$1.1B$2.0BUGA
Campus Size1,841 acres762 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | UGA = $120,920. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
UGASuburban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
UGA762 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
UGANCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
UGASouth
Founded
Auburn1856
UGA1785
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
UGA41,652

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or UGA harder to get into?+
UGA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 39.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or UGA?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $184,336). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while UGA offers $12,980/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and UGA?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at UGA 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 UGA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Auburn have a higher average starting salary ($60,200 vs $58,700). 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 UGA has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and UGA compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. UGA is in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with 762 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UGA in NCAA D1.