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Auburn University vs University of Virginia

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
16.3% UVA acceptance
$96,448 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
UVA
Charlottesville, Virginia
Public
Founded
1819
Enrollment
26,082
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $22,870
Auburn
$33,044
UVA
$55,914
Acceptance Rate UVA more selective
Auburn
75.0%
UVA
16.3%
Graduation Rate UVA higher
Auburn
78%
UVA
94%
Avg SAT Score UVA higher
Auburn
1270
UVA
1440
Starting Salary UVA higher
Auburn
$60,200
UVA
$71,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn UVA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$55,914Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$20,342Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$14,282Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%16.3%UVA
Graduation Rate78%94%UVA
Average SAT12701440UVA
Student-Faculty Ratio19:115:1UVA
Enrollment33,01526,082-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$21,700UVA
Starting Salary$60,200$71,500UVA
Endowment$1.1B$14.5BUVA
Campus Size1,841 acres1,682 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UVA
$280,784
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | UVA = $193,984. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

UVA Top Majors

EconomicsBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
UVASuburban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
UVA1,682 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
UVANCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
UVASouth
Founded
Auburn1856
UVA1819
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
UVA26,082

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or UVA harder to get into?+
UVA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.3% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or UVA?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $280,784). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while UVA offers $21,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and UVA?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at UVA it is 1440. 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 UVA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UVA have a higher average starting salary ($71,500 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 UVA has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and UVA compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. UVA is in Charlottesville, Virginia (suburban setting) with 1,682 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UVA in NCAA D1.