Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama · Public · 45.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 76/100 · Strong Value
Auburn University
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $12,890/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $34,922/yr |
| Average net price | $24,323/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $97,292 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,337 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $43,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $223 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 82.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 26,816 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,681 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,627 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,558 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,808 |
| $110,001+ | $29,547 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Auburn University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $80,323 | B |
| Finance and Financial Management | $84,352 | B |
| Biology | $83,053 | F |
| Marketing | $74,702 | C+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,246 | B+ |
| Registered Nursing | $73,228 | B+ |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $52,063 | D |
| Psychology | $50,633 | D |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $91,087 | B+ |
| Architectural Engineering | $97,759 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Auburn University is $12,890/year ($34,922/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $24,323/year, or roughly $97,292 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $16,681/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $29,547/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $223 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $65,337 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.49 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 77.0% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 81.1% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 78.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 79.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 45.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 630-700 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 630-690 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 26-31 |
| Enrollment | 26,816 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 12.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,324 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University (this school) | 76 | $24,323 | $65,337 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | 87 | $17,303 | $68,758 |
| University of South Florida | 78 | $9,812 | $57,743 |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | 73 | $18,976 | $60,249 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 55 | $18,749 | $54,501 |
| Alabama A & M University | 10 | $17,621 | $40,628 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Auburn University delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $24,323 per year ($97,292 over four years), graduates earn a median of $65,337 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 7.8 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: a 82.0% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $21,000 against $65,337 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.