Auburn vs. ASU

Comparable Facts

Compare Auburn University in Auburn, AL with Appalachian State University in Boone, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Auburn University is larger than ASU based on total student enrollment (34,145 students vs. 21,570 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Auburn University is located in Auburn, AL (Small City setting); Appalachian State University is in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Auburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Auburn University 21:1; Appalachian State University 16:1.

Auburn vs. ASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Auburn or ASU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Appalachian State University than Auburn ($14,978 vs. $25,242).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 22.6% lower than at Auburn University ($12,868 vs. $16,626).
• Auburn University is 70.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $5,311 more per year; $12,890.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.5% higher at Auburn than at Appalachian State University (about $9,710 more per year; $34,922.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Auburn University than at Appalachian State University (80% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Auburn University students is 35.7% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($10,872 vs. $8,014).

Auburn vs. ASU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Auburn or ASU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between ASU and Auburn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Auburn University (1330) is 130 points higher than at ASU (1200).
• Incoming Auburn students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at ASU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 1260/1390; Appalachian State University 1120/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 26/31; Appalachian State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Auburn - Required; ASU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Auburn Feb 1, 2027; ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Auburn students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at ASU (3.96).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Auburn (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Auburn vs. 18.2% at ASU.

Auburn vs. ASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Auburn and ASU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Auburn University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Appalachian State University's (65%).
• Graduates from Auburn University earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Auburn graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Auburn graduates ($211 vs. $222).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Auburn students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.