Auburn vs. LSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Auburn University in Auburn, AL with Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Louisiana State University is larger than Auburn based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 34,145 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Auburn University is located in Auburn, AL (Small City setting); Louisiana State University is in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Auburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Auburn University 21:1; Louisiana State University 21:1.

Auburn vs. LSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Auburn or LSU? 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 Louisiana State University than Auburn ($21,430 vs. $25,242).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Louisiana State University are 8.9% lower than at Auburn University ($15,142 vs. $16,626).
• Auburn University is 7.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSU (about $936 more per year; $12,890.00 vs. $11,954.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22% higher at Auburn than at Louisiana State University (about $6,291 more per year; $34,922.00 vs. $28,631.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Louisiana State University than at Auburn University (88% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University students is 29.6% larger than aid received by Auburn University students ($14,094 vs. $10,872).

Auburn vs. LSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Auburn University (1330) is 70 points higher than at LSU (1260).
• Incoming Auburn students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at LSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 1260/1390; Louisiana State University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 26/31; Louisiana State University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Auburn - Required; LSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Auburn Feb 1, 2027; LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Auburn students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at LSU (3.77).
• LSU has a higher acceptance rate (73.3%) than Auburn (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Auburn vs. 23% at LSU.

Auburn vs. LSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Auburn and LSU? 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 Louisiana State University's (60%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Auburn graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University graduates have a $600 lower median loan debt than Auburn graduates ($20,900 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, LSU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Auburn graduates ($216 vs. $222).
• More Auburn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LSU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 67%)

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.