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Auburn University vs Virginia Tech

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
57.0% Virginia Tech acceptance
$5,224 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
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Public
Founded
1872
Enrollment
38,167
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $3,046
Auburn
$33,044
Virginia Tech
$36,090
Acceptance Rate Virginia Tech more selective
Auburn
75.0%
Virginia Tech
57.0%
Graduation Rate Virginia Tech higher
Auburn
78%
Virginia Tech
85%
Avg SAT Score Virginia Tech higher
Auburn
1270
Virginia Tech
1330
Starting Salary Virginia Tech higher
Auburn
$60,200
Virginia Tech
$68,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn Virginia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$36,090Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$15,478Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$11,300Virginia Tech
Acceptance Rate75.0%57.0%Virginia Tech
Graduation Rate78%85%Virginia Tech
Average SAT12701330Virginia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio19:114:1Virginia Tech
Enrollment33,01538,167-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$12,800Virginia Tech
Starting Salary$60,200$68,800Virginia Tech
Endowment$1.1B$2.0BVirginia Tech
Campus Size1,841 acres2,600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Virginia Tech = $138,360. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Virginia Tech Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
Virginia TechRural
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
Virginia Tech2,600 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
Virginia TechNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
Virginia TechSouth
Founded
Auburn1856
Virginia Tech1872
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
Virginia Tech38,167

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or Virginia Tech harder to get into?+
Virginia Tech is more selective with an acceptance rate of 57.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Virginia Tech?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $189,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Virginia Tech offers $12,800/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Virginia Tech?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at Virginia Tech it is 1330. 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 Virginia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Virginia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($68,800 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 Virginia Tech has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and Virginia Tech compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with 2,600 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Virginia Tech in NCAA D1.