Auburn vs. OSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Auburn University in Auburn, AL with Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oregon State University is larger than Auburn based on total student enrollment (37,163 students vs. 34,145 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Auburn vs. OSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Auburn or OSU? 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 Oregon State University than Auburn ($22,467 vs. $25,242).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oregon State University are 1.4% lower than at Auburn University ($16,386 vs. $16,626).
• Oregon State University is 11.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Auburn (about $1,510 more per year; $14,400.00 vs. $12,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.4% higher at OSU than at Auburn University (about $3,268 more per year; $38,190.00 vs. $34,922.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oregon State University than at Auburn University (90% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oregon State University students is 3.3% larger than aid received by Auburn University students ($11,230 vs. $10,872).

Auburn vs. OSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Auburn University (1330) is 60 points higher than at OSU (1270).
• Incoming Auburn students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at OSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 1260/1390; Oregon State University 1140/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 26/31; Oregon State University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Auburn - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); OSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Auburn Feb 1, 2027; OSU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Auburn students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at OSU (3.61).
• OSU has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Auburn (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Auburn vs. 20.4% at OSU.

Auburn vs. OSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Auburn and OSU? 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 Oregon State University's (61%).
• Graduates from Auburn University earn a median of about $200 more per year than OSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $53,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Auburn University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than OSU graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Auburn graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OSU graduates ($222 vs. $242).
• More Auburn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OSU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 66%)

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.