Auburn University vs University of Alabama

Auburn University vs University of Alabama

Auburn University

Auburn University is a public land-grant research university in Auburn, Alabama. It is a mid-size university with approximately 26,874 undergraduate students and an enrollment of over 34,000. The admissions are moderately competitive, and the acceptance rate is around 50.50%. The most sought-after areas of study are Business, Engineering, Education, Communication, and Biology. Auburn posts a six-year graduation rate of approximately 66%, with graduates earning a median income of around INR 45,00,000 ten years post-enrollment (converted from $54,100 median income).

University of Alabama

The University of Alabama, situated in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is the state's flagship public research institution. It is a public university with an undergraduate student body of approximately 32,458 students and total student enrollment of over 38,000. Admissions are moderately competitive, and the acceptance rate is around 76%?. The most popular majors are Business, Management, Marketing, Communication, Engineering, and Health Professions. The university has a six-year graduation rate of approximately 72%, with graduates earning median salaries of close to INR 47,00,000 after ten years of enrollment (converted from $56,200 median salaries).

Overview Comparison
Auburn UniversityUniversity of Alabama
Collegedunia Score4.2 Out of 105.8 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 601 Times Higher Education 2026
# 851 QS World University 2026
# 552 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 801 Times Higher Education 2026
# 1001 QS World University 2026
# 192 Center for World University Rankings 2025
Subject Strength# 59 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 601 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2023
# 601 for Law by Times Higher Education 2023
# 97 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 156 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 251 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -136
PG Programs -54
Doctorate Programs -10
UG Programs -38
PG Programs -52
Doctorate Programs -3
Acceptance Rate50.0 %88.0 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6.5
PTE-53
SAT-1130
TOEFL-79
Duolingo-110
IELTS-6.5
PTE-59
SAT-990
TOEFL-80
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees  28890
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 20214 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   50460
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  38380
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 25128 Per Year
placement (average package)

Auburn University is one of the top public universities in Auburn, United States. It is ranked #1001-1200 in QS World University Rankings 2023.

Auburn University Graduates & Alumni Salaries - By  Degree

  • MBA: $110,000 
  • Bachelor of Arts: $101,000 
  • Bachelor of Science: $68,000

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers, and many graduates go on to work for top companies or pursue advanced degrees. Here are some examples of companies that have hired UAB graduates, as well as the average salaries for some of the most popular majors:

  • Companies that have hired UAB graduates include Amazon, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Children's Hospital of Alabama, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Regions Bank, among others.
  • According to data from PayScale, the average salaries for some of the most popular majors at UAB are as follows:
    • Nursing: $63,000
    • Computer Science: $75,000
    • Accounting: $55,000
    • Business Administration: $60,000
    • Mechanical Engineering: $70,000
    • Psychology: $47,000
    • Biology: $47,000

It is important to note that these are only averages, and individual salaries may vary depending on factors such as location, industry, and years of experience. Additionally, UAB offers a range of career development services to help students and alumni succeed in their job searches, including resume and cover letter reviews, career fairs, and networking events.


application requirements

Submit official transcripts of all previous education

Submit English langauge proficiency test scores

Check program specific requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit LORs

Submit English language proficiency 

Check program specific requirements

CollegeDunia Reviews8.6/10 Read 3 reviews8.4/10 Read 8 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 151 for Business by QS World University 2026
# 73 for Business by US News 2025
# 401 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
# 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
application--
exam scoresIELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 79/120Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120
application dates-Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake)
Apr 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake)
Jul 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsAuburn UniversityUniversity of Alabama
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1896
1969
Student:Faculty Ratio21:1
10:1
Male:Female51% Male, 49% Female50% Male, 50% Female
Location Facts

Auburn University was established in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, 20 years after the city of Auburn's founding. In 1872, under the Morrill Act, the school became the first land-grant college in the South and was renamed the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama. In 1899 the name again was changed, to the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. Finally, in 1960 the name of the school was changed to Auburn University, a title more in keeping with its location, and expressing the varied academic programs and larger curriculum of a major university.


  • The campus can be divided into three sections. The medical center occupies most of the campus east of Campus Green.
  • The academic heart of campus stretches from the Campus Green west and from University Boulevard south. Campus Green, developed between 2000 and 2007 as part of the move to convert the school from its previously commuter school feel into a more traditional residential campus, not only anchors the academic campus but serves as the centerpiece for the university as a whole.
  • Most academics and arts buildings (excluding those associated with the medical center), residence halls, and student life facilities sit on or within two blocks of the Green.

Library

Auburn University Libraries consists of three libraries on campus. The largest library on campus is the Ralph Brown Draughon Library, a 377,000 square-foot structure with seating for 4,850. It is co-located with the Mell Classroom Building on Mell Street. Branch libraries are located in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Architecture, Design and Construction. Auburn University is one of the 125 universities that are members of the Association of Research Libraries. AU Libraries serves as a Federal Depository Library for Alabama.

AU Libraries’ collections exceeds 4.6 million volumes,  more than 2.7 million items in microform, and 152,000 maps. The libraries license access to over 200 electronic databases, including online full-text access to over 5,000 scholarly journals and receive more than 57,000 current serials, including publications issued by the U.S. government.


The UAB Libraries’ collections include over 1.4 million volumes and more than 40,000 journals and serials, in addition to extensive electronic resources, rare books, microforms, and audio-visual materials. The UAB Libraries host nearly 1 million patrons each year and support students and faculty in advancing their learning, research, and teaching.


Campus Life

Whether students live in a residence hall, join a student organization or connect with friends on the Campus Green, the first-class facilities and high-impact programs provide students with the strong foundation they need to reach their goals.Which includes:

  • CAMPUS DINING:
    • ?An essential component of campus life, Campus Dining offers 30 distinctive dining locations, each with a variety of options. Sustainability and fresh fare are emphasized, and many of the foods served are grown on campus in the Community Garden. Student and faculty/staff meal plans are available for use at each venue.
  • CAMPUS RECREATION:
    • Campus Recreation provides fitness, wellness, sports and recreation opportunities for Auburn students, faculty and staff. With a diverse array of programming that includes club and intramural sports, group fitness, personal training and Olympic/powerlifting, Campus Recreation has something for every interest and fitness level.
  • FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE:
    • Auburn students are poised for success upon arriving on campus through First Year Experience’s orientation, transition and retention programs geared toward incoming freshman and transfer students. By emphasizing intellectual and social development, First Year Experience programs ensure that students begin their Auburn journey ready to achieve their academic and personal goals.
  • UNIVERSITY HOUSING:
    • Living on campus is a core part of the Auburn student experience. University Housing cultivates and supports living environments that are rooted in tradition, and we are committed to providing residence halls that are safe, welcoming and inclusive. Residents benefit from purpose-built facilities and intentional opportunities for growth.

  • The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a dynamic student life with a wide range of activities and resources available to students.
  • Campus life at UAB is designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages personal and academic growth.
  • UAB has over 200 student organizations and clubs that cater to a variety of interests, including academic, cultural, political, and social groups.
  • These organizations provide students with the opportunity to connect with peers who share similar interests, develop leadership skills, and explore new hobbies and activities.
  • UAB is also known for its sports facilities, which include an Olympic-size swimming pool, a fitness center, and numerous sports fields and courts.
  • UAB is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and competes in various sports, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball.
  • Apart from sports and clubs, UAB also provides numerous resources and support services to help students succeed academically and personally. These resources include academic advising, tutoring, counseling services, and career services.
  • Overall, UAB's campus life provides students with a vibrant and engaging experience. Whether it's through student organizations, sports facilities, or support services, UAB encourages students to explore their interests, develop their skills, and build meaningful connections with others.

Hostel#Housing & Food (Living with Parent) - $4183
#Housing & Food - $7718
#Housing - $10112
#Housing - $9700
Famous Alumni
  • Kay Ivey, Alabama Governor
  • Jim Voss, Former NASA Astronaunt
  • Rowdy Gaines, Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist
  • Tim Cook, Apple CEO
  • Charles Barkley, Former Basketball Star/Media Personality
  • Bo Jackson, Two-Sport Athlete
  • Jimmy Wales, Co-Founder of Wikipedia
  • Harold Melton,Georgia Supreme Court Justice.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has a long list of notable alumni, including accomplished professionals in various fields. Here are some of the prominent alumni from UAB :

  1. Condoleezza Rice – Former United States Secretary of State
  2. Marquette King – NFL Punter for the Las Vegas Raiders
  3. Octavia Spencer – Oscar-winning actress
  4. Carl Hiaasen – Bestselling author and journalist
  5. Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha – Pediatrician and public health advocate who exposed the Flint water crisis
  6. Heather McPherson – Chief Executive Officer at Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
  7. Edie Hand – Award-winning actress, author, and television personality
  8. Natalee Holloway – UAB student who went missing in 2005 and received national attention
  9. John Isner – Professional tennis player
  10. Chuck Holmes – Retired NBA player
  11. Robby Shelton – Professional golfer
  12. Rebecca Luker – Broadway actress and singer
  13. Courtney Johnson – Former U.S. Olympic sprinter
  14. Tony Kanaan – Professional race car driver
  15. Martha Myers – Medical missionary who was killed in the 2002 Yemen terrorist attack
  16. Michael G. Sandel – Philosopher and professor at Harvard University
  17. Kenneth Olden – Former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program
  18. Randy Owen – Lead singer of the country band Alabama
  19. Dr. Leona Harris – First African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Mathematics from UAB
  20. Gregory Pence – Philosopher and bioethicist.

This is just a small sample of the many successful alumni of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which is a testament to the quality of education and opportunities offered by the university.


City Life

Auburn residents overwhelmingly rate the city as a great place to live, work and raise children, but don’t just take their word for it. Forbes has consistently ranked Auburn on its lists for Best Places to Retire and Best Small Places for Business and Careers. Auburn City Schools has consistently been ranked among the top public school systems in the state and nation.


  • Birmingham has more green space per capita than any other major city in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a mountain hike or a prime picnic spot, we’ve got it all, from urban oases to reclaimed wilderness.
  • They don’t need a reason to party, but these world-class gatherings are hotly anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Each offers the chance to rub shoulders with both rising stars and established names.
  • Birmingham was one of the epicenters of Southern jazz. That live music tradition lives on in a range of venues, both historic and avant garde.
  • Food critics have been raving about Birmingham’s restaurant scene for years, and it’s only getting hotter. Down-home barbecue is a specialty, but so are tastes as varied as Southern soul food and southeast Asian cuisine.
  • Birmingham’s Galleria is among the largest malls in the country. It’s just one of dozens of retail options in town, from expansive outlets to upscale boutiques.
  • Birmingham has 99 neighborhoods, and UAB’s students, faculty and staff can be found in almost every one. Service is an important part of what it means to be a Blazer; whatever your passion, you can find a way to take part here.

Weather
Comparison Notes

Auburn University vs University of Alabama

Subject Strength & Rankings (2025/2026)

Auburn University and the University of Alabama are top state public universities but vary in areas and intensity. Auburn ranks in the top 105 in the U.S. News National University Rankings 2025, while the University of Alabama ranks at about 171. Auburn is particularly acclaimed for its Engineering, Business, and Agricultural programs, while Alabama is nationally acclaimed for its Business, Communication, Law, and Nursing programs.

General Information

Auburn University: Found in Auburn, Alabama, it is a mid-sized public land-grant research university with around 26,874 undergraduate students and more than 34,000 overall enrollment. Auburn has campus traditions, engineering emphasis, and student spirit of community.University of Alabama: Headquartered in Tuscaloosa, it is the state's flagship public research university, with a larger undergraduate population of around 32,458 students and more than 38,000 overall. It is well regarded for business, law, athletics, and health sciences and boasts the popular Crimson Tide football program.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Auburn's acceptance rate is approximately 50.50%, so admissions are moderately selective.
Alabama is more open in its acceptance rate at approximately 76%, providing more access to students in the state and beyond.

Research Impact & Facilities

Auburn: Its strengths in STEM research are in the fields of engineering and agriculture, with a land-grant focus extending to applied sciences and state development.

Alabama: It has major resources available in law, health, and social sciences, with major research efforts in medicine, communication, and policy. Both universities host major libraries, student research, and busy innovation centers.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both are public universities with reduced tuition for students residing within the state and higher for those from outside the state.

Auburn: In-state costs about $10,700, out-of-state is about $34,900; average net cost is about $24,500.

Alabama: In-state costs about $11,100, out-of-state is about $32,000; average net cost is lower at about $20,600. Both institutions offer merit scholarships and need-based aid, with Alabama best known for big out-of-state merit awards.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Auburn: Graduates have a median salary of approximately INR 45,00,000 ten years after joining (?$54,100) and have good placement in engineering, business, and applied sciences.

Alabama: Graduates have marginally higher median salaries of around INR 47,00,000 (?$56,200), with specific strength in law, business, communication, and health professions. Auburn's alumni strength is strong in engineering and state leadership, while Alabama's strength is recognized nationally in law, politics, and sports.