Auburn University vs Alabama A & M University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Auburn University holds a 66-point ROI advantage over Alabama A & M University, scoring 76/100 versus 10/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Alabama A & M University comes in at $17,621 per year (net price after aid) versus $24,323 at Auburn University - a difference of $6,702 annually, or roughly $26,808 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Auburn University graduates earn a median of $65,337 compared to $40,628 at Alabama A & M University. The payback period is 7.8 years at Auburn University versus 37.4 years at Alabama A & M University.
Graduates leave Auburn University with a median $21,000 in debt versus $31,000 at Alabama A & M University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 and 1.09 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Auburn University | Alabama A & M University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,890 | $10,024 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,922 | $18,634 |
| Net Price (avg) | $24,323 | $17,621 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $97,292 | $70,484 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,100 | $28,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $65,337 | $40,628 |
| Graduation Rate | 82.0% | 24.0% |
| Payback Period | 7.8 yr | 37.4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,000 | $31,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $223 | $329 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.49 | 1.09 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 81.1% | 42.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 78.1% | 33.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 45.9% | 58.0% |
| Enrollment | 26,816 | 6,124 |
| SAT Range | 1260-1390 | 810-1040 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Auburn University | Alabama A & M Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $16,681 | $16,500 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $17,627 | $16,387 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $20,558 | $19,622 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $25,808 | $21,680 |
| $110,001+ | $29,547 | $20,364 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Auburn University | Alabama A & M Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $99,799 | $98,045 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,246 | $87,291 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $91,087 | $88,490 |
| Accounting | $86,222 | $61,503 |
| Biology | $83,053 | $44,145 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $80,323 | $58,176 |
| Marketing | $74,702 | $25,945 |
| Forestry | $64,704 | $64,749 |
| Psychology | $50,633 | $42,127 |
| Social Work | $50,156 | $47,121 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Auburn University | Alabama A & M Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 69 | 15 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 77 | 14 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 76 | 3 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 91 | 7 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 74 | 5 |
| Overall ROI Score | 76 | 10 |
The Verdict
Auburn University significantly outperforms Alabama A & M University on financial ROI (76 vs 10). The 66-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Alabama A & M University offers something compelling for your specific situation - a top program in your major, a full scholarship, or non-financial factors that matter to you - the data favors Auburn University.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Auburn University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Alabama A & M University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.