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The University of Alabama vs Auburn University

The University of Alabama is a public university in Tuscaloosa, AL. Auburn University is a public university in Auburn, AL. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants and The University of Alabama about 77%, making Auburn University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $22,420 a year at The University of Alabama after aid, and about $24,323 at Auburn University. About 81% of students graduate at Auburn University, compared with 74% at The University of Alabama. Ten years after enrolling, Auburn University alumni earn a median of about $65,337, against $59,221 for The University of Alabama.

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The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL · Public

Auburn University

Auburn, AL · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Tuscaloosa, AL
Auburn, AL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
33,227
26,816
Acceptance rate
77%
46%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1400
1260–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
24–31
26–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,420
$24,323
Full cost / yr
$33,382
$34,919
In-state tuition
$12,180
$12,890
Out-of-state tuition
$34,172
$34,922
Application fee
$40
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,169
$16,681
$30k - $48k
$19,884
$17,627
$48k - $75k
$22,258
$20,558
$75k - $110k
$25,658
$25,808
Over $110k
$26,729
$29,547
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
81%
Freshman retention
89%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,233
$54,629
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,221
$65,337
Median debt at graduation
$22,750
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
13%
First-generation students
23%
17%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is The University of Alabama or Auburn University harder to get into?
Auburn University is harder to get into. It admits about 46% of applicants, compared with 77% at The University of Alabama. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, The University of Alabama or Auburn University?
The University of Alabama is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,420 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,323 at Auburn University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at The University of Alabama and Auburn University?
Before aid, The University of Alabama costs about $33,382 a year and Auburn University about $34,919. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, The University of Alabama or Auburn University?
Auburn University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,681 there, against about $19,169 at The University of Alabama. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, The University of Alabama or Auburn University?
The University of Alabama is the larger of the two, with about 33,227 undergraduates against 26,816 at Auburn University.
Does The University of Alabama or Auburn University have a better graduation rate?
Auburn University has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 74% at The University of Alabama.
Do graduates of The University of Alabama or Auburn University earn more?
Auburn University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,337 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,221 for The University of Alabama. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do The University of Alabama and Auburn University require SAT or ACT scores?
The University of Alabama is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Auburn University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do The University of Alabama and Auburn University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1400 at The University of Alabama and 1260–1390 at Auburn University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school