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Head to head · Alabama

Auburn University vs The University of Alabama

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $48–75k and below, Auburn University is the cheaper of the two; from $75–110k up, The University of Alabama is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeAuburn UniversityThe University of AlabamaDifference
Under $30k$16,681$19,169$2,488 · Auburn University
$30–48k$17,627$19,884$2,257 · Auburn University
$48–75k$20,558$22,258$1,700 · Auburn University
$75–110k$25,808$25,658$150 · The University of Alabama
Over $110k$29,547$26,729$2,818 · The University of Alabama

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

Auburn University$108,781
The University of Alabama$108,148
Difference over four years$632

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate46% · 77%
Average SAT1345 · 1285

Listed Auburn University first, then The University of Alabama. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$65,337 · $59,221
Graduate in four years61% · 57%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$21,000 · $22,750

Again Auburn University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Auburn University — every income band · The University of Alabama — every income band · All Alabama public colleges