Auburn vs. University of South Alabama

Comparable Facts

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

Auburn University is larger than University of South Alabama based on total student enrollment (34,145 students vs. 14,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Auburn University is located in Auburn, AL (Small City setting); University of South Alabama is in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting).
• Auburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Auburn University 21:1; University of South Alabama 19:1.

Auburn vs. University of South Alabama Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Auburn or University of South Alabama? 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 University of South Alabama than Auburn ($16,074 vs. $25,242).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Alabama are 31.6% lower than at Auburn University ($11,366 vs. $16,626).
• Auburn University is 27.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Alabama (about $2,774 more per year; $12,890.00 vs. $10,116.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.9% higher at Auburn than at University of South Alabama (about $15,830 more per year; $34,922.00 vs. $19,092.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Alabama than at Auburn University (96% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Auburn University students is 16.5% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($10,872 vs. $9,329).

Auburn vs. University of South Alabama Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Auburn or University of South Alabama? 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 University of South Alabama and Auburn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Auburn University (1330) is 250 points higher than at University of South Alabama (1080).
• Incoming Auburn students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at University of South Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 1260/1390; University of South Alabama 970/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 26/31; University of South Alabama 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Auburn - Required; University of South Alabama - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Auburn Feb 1, 2027; University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Auburn students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at University of South Alabama (3.69).
• University of South Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (71%) than Auburn (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Auburn vs. 21% at University of South Alabama.

Auburn vs. University of South Alabama Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Auburn and University of South Alabama? 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 University of South Alabama's (39%).
• Graduates from Auburn University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than University of South Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Auburn University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than University of South Alabama graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Auburn graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Alabama graduates ($222 vs. $253).
• More Auburn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 45%)

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.