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Auburn University vs University of Pennsylvania

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
5.4% UPenn acceptance
$143,672 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
UPenn
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Founded
1740
Enrollment
28,304
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $30,408
Auburn
$33,044
UPenn
$63,452
Acceptance Rate UPenn more selective
Auburn
75.0%
UPenn
5.4%
Graduation Rate UPenn higher
Auburn
78%
UPenn
96%
Avg SAT Score UPenn higher
Auburn
1270
UPenn
1530
Starting Salary UPenn higher
Auburn
$60,200
UPenn
$92,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn UPenn Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$63,452Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$63,452Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$18,550Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%5.4%UPenn
Graduation Rate78%96%UPenn
Average SAT12701530UPenn
Student-Faculty Ratio19:16:1UPenn
Enrollment33,01528,304-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$54,060UPenn
Starting Salary$60,200$92,800UPenn
Endowment$1.1B$20.5BUPenn
Campus Size1,841 acres299 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UPenn
$328,008
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | UPenn = $111,768. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

UPenn Top Majors

FinanceEconomicsNursingComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
UPennUrban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
UPenn299 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
UPennNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
UPennNortheast
Founded
Auburn1856
UPenn1740
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
UPenn28,304

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or UPenn harder to get into?+
UPenn is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.4% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or UPenn?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $328,008). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while UPenn offers $54,060/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and UPenn?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at UPenn it is 1530. 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 UPenn graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UPenn have a higher average starting salary ($92,800 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 UPenn has 6:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and UPenn compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. UPenn is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 299 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UPenn in NCAA D1.