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. 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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Auburn University's admitted students demonstrate exceptional academic preparation, with SAT scores ranking among the highest we track nationally. The middle 50% of enrolled students score between 1240 and 1380 on the SAT, with a median of 1318. SAT Math scores range from 610 to 690, while SAT Verbal scores span 630 to 690, indicating balanced strength across both sections. ACT scores range from 25 to 31 for the middle 50% of students. These test scores place Auburn 120 points above the peer median SAT of 1198, demonstrating significantly stronger academic preparation than typical public research universities. Students scoring within the 1240-1380 range are academically competitive for admission, while those below 1240 face greater challenges but are not automatically excluded. Auburn's high test score profile reflects its ability to attract well-prepared students across Alabama and the Southeast. The 120-point advantage over peer institutions indicates Auburn's position as a more academically selective option within public higher education. Prospective students should consider whether their academic credentials align with this profile when building their college lists.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Auburn University enrolls a student body that reflects moderate diversity in economic backgrounds while maintaining strong academic preparation. The institution serves 12.3% Pell-eligible students and 17.3% first-generation students, indicating enrollment of students from varied socioeconomic backgrounds alongside those from more privileged ones. Transfer students comprise 17.3% of the student body, showing Auburn's openness to students from community colleges and other institutions. While Auburn's Pell share is lower than many public universities, it demonstrates commitment to access through its above-average access ranking at the 73.8th percentile. This composition suggests Auburn attracts academically prepared students from diverse backgrounds, though higher-income families are more prevalent. The combination of strong test scores and moderate access indicators reflects Auburn's position as a selective public institution that maintains some economic diversity. First-generation students should know that 17.3% of enrolled students share their background, while students from lower-income families should consider the 12.3% Pell share when assessing institutional fit and support systems.
Given Auburn's 50.5% acceptance rate, students should consider backup options even with strong credentials. The alternatives below provide different pathways to similar career outcomes.
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Auburn University demonstrates strong student success outcomes once enrolled, with 93.2% of freshmen returning for sophomore year compared to a peer median of 83.7%. This 9.5 percentage point advantage indicates robust first-year support systems and student satisfaction. Overall graduation rates reach 79.2% within six years, substantially above the peer median of 65.9%. Pell-eligible students graduate at 70.0%, creating a 9.2 percentage point gap below the overall completion rate. While this gap exists, Auburn's Pell completion rate still exceeds many peer institutions' overall rates, suggesting reasonable support for lower-income students. The retention and completion patterns indicate that students who gain admission generally succeed at Auburn, with first-year retention particularly strong. The Pell completion gap suggests some additional challenges for lower-income students, though outcomes remain solid in absolute terms. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, with particularly robust first-year programs that help students transition successfully to college-level work. The high retention rate indicates Auburn creates an environment where students feel supported and engaged from the beginning of their college experience.
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