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Auburn University vs University of Maryland

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
44.0% Maryland acceptance
$34,224 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
Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $7,262
Auburn
$33,044
Maryland
$40,306
Acceptance Rate Maryland more selective
Auburn
75.0%
Maryland
44.0%
Graduation Rate Maryland higher
Auburn
78%
Maryland
88%
Avg SAT Score Maryland higher
Auburn
1270
Maryland
1410
Starting Salary Maryland higher
Auburn
$60,200
Maryland
$70,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn Maryland Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$40,306Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$11,505Maryland
Room & Board$13,040$14,334Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%44.0%Maryland
Graduation Rate78%88%Maryland
Average SAT12701410Maryland
Student-Faculty Ratio19:118:1Maryland
Enrollment33,01541,200-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$14,200Maryland
Starting Salary$60,200$70,900Maryland
Endowment$1.1B$2.3BMaryland
Campus Size1,841 acres1,335 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Maryland = $161,760. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
MarylandSuburban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
Maryland1,335 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
MarylandNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
MarylandNortheast
Founded
Auburn1856
Maryland1856
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
Maryland41,200

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or Maryland harder to get into?+
Maryland is more selective with an acceptance rate of 44.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Maryland?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $218,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Maryland offers $14,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Maryland?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at Maryland it is 1410. 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 Maryland graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Maryland have a higher average starting salary ($70,900 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 Maryland has 18:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and Maryland compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Maryland is in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with 1,335 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Maryland in NCAA D1.