Auburn University combines moderately selective admissions with well above average mobility outcomes. As a Selective Achievers institution, the university delivers strong post-graduation earnings of $65,337 while maintaining solid access for first-generation students, supporting economic advancement across diverse academic programs.
With above average outcomes, driven by solid long-term earnings relative to educational investment
As modestly below average, reflecting higher costs relative to outcomes
With above average performance, indicating moderate enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With well above average performance, reflecting Auburn's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisAuburn University delivers strong earnings outcomes despite graduates earning modestly below expectations relative to student demographics. Graduates earn a median of $65,337 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 81st percentile nationally and $4,794 above the peer median of $60,543.
Earnings range from $43,620 at the 25th percentile to $95,597 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across engineering, business, and sciences. Low-income graduates earn $53,800, demonstrating solid outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Students seeking strong post-graduation outcomes in engineering and business fields, particularly those interested in programs where Auburn excels nationally. Well-suited for students who can handle moderately selective admissions while benefiting from Auburn's above-average access policies and well above average mobility outcomes in Alabama's public university system.
Auburn University admits approximately 50.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 2 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Auburn in the moderately selective category, requiring solid academic preparation but remaining accessible to well-prepared students.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights Auburn's greater selectivity compared to typical public research universities, making it 27.6 percentage points more selective than similar institutions. This level of selectivity means that students with strong academic records have reasonable admission prospects, though preparation and fit remain important.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Auburn University's published cost of attendance reaches $34,402 per year, including $33,944 in out-of-state tuition, $15,396 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $23,897 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,505 through institutional and federal assistance.
Auburn's net price of $23,897 sits $8,307 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating higher costs than typical public research universities. This cost differential reflects Auburn's position as a more selective institution with enhanced facilities and programs.
In-state students benefit from significantly reduced tuition of $12,536, making Auburn more affordable for Alabama residents. The gap between sticker price and net cost demonstrates Auburn's commitment to financial aid, though the institution remains more expensive than peer schools.
Students should expect Auburn to require greater financial investment than typical public universities, balanced against stronger academic preparation and post-graduation outcomes. Financial aid reduces costs substantially, though families still face above-average expenses for public higher education.
Chemical Engineering, Other.
136 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
131 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
91 graduates
Architectural Engineering.
145 graduates
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General.
75 graduates
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Samford University Higher acceptance rate (31.8 percentage points higher) and located 96 miles away; similar graduate earnings | AL | 82% | $58,469 | Compare |
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This is the Auburn University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/auburn-university/analysis.
Top-ranked Architectural Engineering program nationally
Auburn University ranks #411 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with access performance at the 73.8th percentile and mobility outcomes at the 89.1st percentile. Located in Auburn, Alabama, this large public research university maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 50.5% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
Auburn University enrolls 12.3% Pell-eligible students and 17.3% first-generation students, positioning it above typical selectivity peers on access measures. Students demonstrate exceptional academic preparation with SAT scores ranking among the highest we track at the 97th percentile, with the middle 50% scoring between 1240 and 1380.
As a Selective Achievers institution, Auburn University combines strong outcomes with lower enrollment of low-income students relative to peers, delivering consistent economic advancement for graduates across diverse academic programs.
Auburn's admission rate reflects its position as a flagship-level institution in Alabama, attracting strong applicant pools while maintaining accessibility. Students should approach Auburn as a realistic option if their academic credentials align with admitted student profiles, though backup options remain prudent for any moderately selective institution.
The 50.5% admission rate suggests Auburn can afford to be choosy while still enrolling diverse student populations across academic interests and backgrounds.
Auburn University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time, with outcomes based on substantial cohorts providing high confidence in reported figures. Median earnings rise from $54,629 six years after enrollment to $61,406 at eight years and $65,337 at ten years, representing 19.6% growth from the six-year mark.
The ten-year earnings cohort includes 4,303 graduates, while earlier cohorts include 3,745 at six years and 4,027 at eight years. Earnings span from $43,620 at the 25th percentile to $95,597 at the 75th percentile, reflecting a 2.2:1 ratio between top and bottom quartiles.
Auburn University graduates earn $4,794 above the peer median of $60,543, indicating strong performance relative to similar public research institutions. Approximately 24.4% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, demonstrating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Auburn University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Architectural Engineering stands out as the #1 ranked program nationally, producing 145 graduates with median earnings of $87,633 and a perfect value score of 100.0.
Chemical Engineering ranks #23 nationally, graduating 136 students with median earnings of $93,708. Business Administration and Management, Auburn's largest program by enrollment, graduates 515 students with median earnings of $66,560 and ranks #117 nationally.
Computer Engineering ranks #56 nationally with 131 graduates earning $89,218. Biology ranks #77 nationally with 369 graduates, representing Auburn's strength in life sciences.
Banking and Financial Support Services graduates 295 students annually, reflecting strong demand in Auburn's business programs.
Towson University Higher acceptance rate (32.3 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | MD | 83% | $64,390 | Compare |
Mount St. Mary's University Higher acceptance rate (21.4 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | MD | 72% | $64,072 | Compare |
University Of Alabama At Birmingham Same state (98 miles away) (earnings difference: 16.6%); same institution type | AL | 88% | $54,501 | Compare |
Samford University Same state (96 miles away) (earnings difference: 10.5%) | AL | 82% | $58,469 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Mississippi Similar quality tier in Southeast (#418 ranked) | MS | 98% | $50,994 | #418 | Compare |
University Of Central Oklahoma Similar quality tier (#424 ranked) | OK | 82% | $48,351 | #424 | Compare |
University Of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Similar quality tier (#397 ranked) | WI | 76% | $58,561 | #397 | Compare |
Georgia Gwinnett College Similar quality tier in Southeast (#429 ranked) | GA | 96% | $47,730 | #429 | Compare |
North Dakota State University-Main Campus Similar quality tier (#394 ranked) | ND | 96% | $62,203 | #394 | Compare |
