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Auburn University vs Yale University

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

75.0% Auburn acceptance
4.4% Yale acceptance
$151,264 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
Yale
New Haven, Connecticut
Private
Founded
1701
Enrollment
14,776
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $31,656
Auburn
$33,044
Yale
$64,700
Acceptance Rate Yale more selective
Auburn
75.0%
Yale
4.4%
Graduation Rate Yale higher
Auburn
78%
Yale
96%
Avg SAT Score Yale higher
Auburn
1270
Yale
1540
Starting Salary Yale higher
Auburn
$60,200
Yale
$83,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn Yale Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$64,700Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$64,700Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$19,200Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%4.4%Yale
Graduation Rate78%96%Yale
Average SAT12701540Yale
Student-Faculty Ratio19:14:1Yale
Enrollment33,01514,776-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$57,410Yale
Starting Salary$60,200$83,200Yale
Endowment$1.1B$41.4BYale
Campus Size1,841 acres373 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Yale
$335,600
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Yale = $105,960. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Yale Top Majors

EconomicsPolitical ScienceHistoryComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
YaleUrban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
Yale373 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
YaleNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
YaleNortheast
Founded
Auburn1856
Yale1701
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
Yale14,776

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or Yale harder to get into?+
Yale is more selective with an acceptance rate of 4.4% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Yale?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $335,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Yale offers $57,410/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Yale?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at Yale it is 1540. 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 Yale graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Yale have a higher average starting salary ($83,200 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 Yale has 4:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and Yale compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Yale is in New Haven, Connecticut (urban setting) with 373 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Yale in NCAA D1.