Auburn vs. UofSC

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than Auburn based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 34,145 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Auburn vs. UofSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Auburn or UofSC? 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 Carolina Columbia than Auburn ($24,488 vs. $25,242).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Columbia are 18.6% lower than at Auburn University ($13,534 vs. $16,626).
• Auburn University is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $202 more per year; $12,890.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3% higher at UofSC than at Auburn University (about $1,050 more per year; $35,972.00 vs. $34,922.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Columbia than at Auburn University (91% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Auburn University students is 52.3% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($10,872 vs. $7,139).

Auburn vs. UofSC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Auburn University (1330) is 60 points higher than at UofSC (1270).
• Incoming UofSC 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; University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 26/31; University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Auburn - Required; UofSC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Auburn Feb 1, 2027; UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Auburn students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at UofSC (3.69).
• UofSC has a higher acceptance rate (60.2%) than Auburn (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Auburn vs. 22.9% at UofSC.

Auburn vs. UofSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Auburn and UofSC? 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).

• University of South Carolina Columbia's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Auburn University's (66%).
• Graduates from Auburn University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than UofSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $51,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Auburn University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than UofSC graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Auburn graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UofSC graduates ($222 vs. $240).
• More Auburn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UofSC students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 69%)

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.