Auburn University vs Alabama A & M University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Auburn University comes out ahead: 76/100 to 10/100, a 66-point edge over Alabama A & M University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Alabama A & M University runs $17,621 a year against $24,323 at Auburn University - $6,702 more a year, or about $26,808 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Auburn University graduates earn a median $65,337 against $40,628 at Alabama A & M University. The cost earns itself back in 7.8 years at Auburn University and 37.4 years at Alabama A & M University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Auburn University owing a median $21,000 versus $31,000 at Alabama A & M University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 and 1.09 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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
On the money, this one isn't close: Auburn University clearly outperforms Alabama A & M University (76 vs 10), a 66-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Alabama A & M University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Auburn University.
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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.