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Auburn University vs University of Minnesota

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
75.0% UMN acceptance
$12,752 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
UMN
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
54,890
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $3,358
Auburn
$33,044
UMN
$36,402
Acceptance Rate Same
Auburn
75.0%
UMN
75.0%
Graduation Rate UMN higher
Auburn
78%
UMN
83%
Avg SAT Score UMN higher
Auburn
1270
UMN
1370
Starting Salary UMN higher
Auburn
$60,200
UMN
$64,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn UMN Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$36,402Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$15,588Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$12,870UMN
Acceptance Rate75.0%75.0%Tie
Graduation Rate78%83%UMN
Average SAT12701370UMN
Student-Faculty Ratio19:117:1UMN
Enrollment33,01554,890-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$15,100UMN
Starting Salary$60,200$64,800UMN
Endowment$1.1B$4.4BUMN
Campus Size1,841 acres1,204 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UMN
$197,088
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | UMN = $136,688. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

UMN Top Majors

PsychologyBiologyEngineeringComputer ScienceBusiness

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
UMNUrban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
UMN1,204 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
UMNNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
UMNMidwest
Founded
Auburn1856
UMN1851
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
UMN54,890

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or UMN harder to get into?+
UMN is more selective with an acceptance rate of 75.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or UMN?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $197,088). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while UMN offers $15,100/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and UMN?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at UMN it is 1370. 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 UMN graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UMN have a higher average starting salary ($64,800 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 UMN has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and UMN compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. UMN is in Minneapolis, Minnesota (urban setting) with 1,204 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UMN in NCAA D1.