Auburn vs. Southern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare Auburn University in Auburn, AL with Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Auburn University is larger than Southern Adventist University based on total student enrollment (34,145 students vs. 3,229 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Auburn University is located in Auburn, AL (Small City setting); Southern Adventist University is in Collegedale, TN (Large Suburban setting).
• Auburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Auburn University 21:1; Southern Adventist University 19:1.

Auburn vs. Southern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Auburn or Southern Adventist University? 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 Southern Adventist University ($25,242 vs. $25,753).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Adventist University are 46.5% lower than at Auburn University ($8,900 vs. $16,626).
• Southern Adventist University is 111.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Auburn (about $14,410 more per year; $27,300.00 vs. $12,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.9% higher at Auburn than at Southern Adventist University (about $7,622 more per year; $34,922.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Adventist University than at Auburn University (99% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Adventist University students is 18.7% larger than aid received by Auburn University students ($12,904 vs. $10,872).

Auburn vs. Southern Adventist University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Auburn or Southern Adventist University? 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 Southern Adventist University and Auburn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Auburn University (1330) is 170 points higher than at Southern Adventist University (1160).
• Incoming Auburn students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at Southern Adventist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 1260/1390; Southern Adventist University 1020/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 26/31; Southern Adventist University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Auburn - Required; Southern Adventist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Auburn Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Auburn students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Southern Adventist University (3.59).
• Southern Adventist University has a higher acceptance rate (65.5%) than Auburn (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Auburn vs. 36.9% at Southern Adventist University.

Auburn vs. Southern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Auburn and Southern Adventist University? 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 Southern Adventist University's (51%).
• Graduates from Auburn University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than Southern Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Auburn University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Southern Adventist University graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Auburn graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Adventist University graduates ($222 vs. $274).
• More Auburn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 63%)

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.