Auburn vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

Compare Auburn University in Auburn, AL with Iowa State University in Ames, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Auburn University is larger than ISU based on total student enrollment (34,145 students vs. 30,380 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Auburn University is located in Auburn, AL (Small City setting); Iowa State University is in Ames, IA (Small City setting).
• Auburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Auburn University 21:1; Iowa State University 18:1.

Auburn vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Auburn or ISU? 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 Iowa State University than Auburn ($17,779 vs. $25,242).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Iowa State University are 35% lower than at Auburn University ($10,808 vs. $16,626).
• Auburn University is 19.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $2,103 more per year; $12,890.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.9% higher at Auburn than at Iowa State University (about $6,041 more per year; $34,922.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Auburn University than at Iowa State University (80% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Auburn University students is 0.8% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($10,872 vs. $10,791).

Auburn vs. ISU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Auburn or ISU? 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 ISU and Auburn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Auburn University (1330) is 90 points higher than at ISU (1240).
• Incoming Auburn students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at ISU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 1260/1390; Iowa State University 1120/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 26/31; Iowa State University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Auburn - Required; ISU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Auburn Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Auburn students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at ISU (3.7).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Auburn (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Auburn vs. 28.8% at ISU.

Auburn vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Auburn and ISU? 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).

• Iowa State University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Auburn University's (66%).
• Graduates from Auburn University earn a median of about $400 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $53,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Auburn University graduates have a $2,368 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,868).
• Among borrowers, Auburn graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($222 vs. $246).
• More ISU 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.