Auburn vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

Compare Auburn University in Auburn, AL with The University of the South in Sewanee, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Auburn University is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (34,145 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Auburn University is located in Auburn, AL (Small City setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Auburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Auburn University 21:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Auburn vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Auburn or Sewanee? 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 Auburn University than Sewanee ($25,242 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of the South are 3.6% lower than at Auburn University ($16,028 vs. $16,626).
• The University of the South is 335.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Auburn (about $43,230 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $12,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.7% higher at Sewanee than at Auburn University (about $21,198 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $34,922.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of the South than at Auburn University (98% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of the South students is 241.9% larger than aid received by Auburn University students ($37,171 vs. $10,872).

Auburn vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Auburn University (1330) is the same as at Sewanee (1330).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Auburn).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 1260/1390; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 26/31; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Auburn - Required; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Auburn Feb 1, 2027; Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Sewanee has a higher acceptance rate (56.9%) than Auburn (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Auburn vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Auburn vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Auburn and Sewanee? 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).

• The University of the South's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Auburn University's (66%).
• Graduates from Auburn University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Sewanee graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Auburn graduates ($19,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Auburn graduates ($196 vs. $222).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Auburn students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.