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Auburn University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
44.8% UIUC acceptance
$13,600 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
UIUC
Champaign, Illinois
Public
Founded
1867
Enrollment
56,607
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $3,024
Auburn
$33,044
UIUC
$36,068
Acceptance Rate UIUC more selective
Auburn
75.0%
UIUC
44.8%
Graduation Rate UIUC higher
Auburn
78%
UIUC
87%
Avg SAT Score UIUC higher
Auburn
1270
UIUC
1390
Starting Salary UIUC higher
Auburn
$60,200
UIUC
$72,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn UIUC Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$36,068Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$16,862Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$13,416Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%44.8%UIUC
Graduation Rate78%87%UIUC
Average SAT12701390UIUC
Student-Faculty Ratio19:120:1Auburn
Enrollment33,01556,607-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$16,470UIUC
Starting Salary$60,200$72,400UIUC
Endowment$1.1B$3.5BUIUC
Campus Size1,841 acres1,783 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UIUC
$197,936
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | UIUC = $132,056. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

UIUC Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessBiologyEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
UIUCUrban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
UIUC1,783 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
UIUCNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
UIUCMidwest
Founded
Auburn1856
UIUC1867
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
UIUC56,607

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or UIUC harder to get into?+
UIUC is more selective with an acceptance rate of 44.8% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or UIUC?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $197,936). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while UIUC offers $16,470/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and UIUC?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at UIUC it is 1390. 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 UIUC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UIUC have a higher average starting salary ($72,400 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 UIUC has 20:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and UIUC compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. UIUC is in Champaign, Illinois (urban setting) with 1,783 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UIUC in NCAA D1.