At $23,897/yr net price, Auburn University graduates earn $65,337/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $31,337/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,897 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,588 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,337/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$31,337/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 79.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,332/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,633/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,834/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,957/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,310/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $119,954 | $136,167 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $114,892 | $41,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,520 | $46,567 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $79,110 | $157,515 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $75,204 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $22,604 |
| Engineering, Other. | Bachelor | $74,157 | |
| Architectural Engineering. | Master | $70,456 | |
| Real Estate Development. | Master | $70,456 | |
| Industrial Engineering. | Master | $70,009 |
The Risk Factor
79.2% of students at Auburn University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 21% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Auburn delivers solid financial returns with graduates earning $65,337 ten years out against manageable debt loads of $21,000. The university's strong alumni network in Alabama and Georgia creates reliable job placement, particularly in engineering and business sectors where Auburn maintains excellent industry connections.
Your major choice determines everything at Auburn. Pharmacy graduates earn $119,954 but carry $136,167 in debt, making the math questionable unless you secure high-paying positions quickly. Business administration offers the sweet spot with $114,892 earnings and just $41,000 debt. Nursing provides steady returns at $93,520 with moderate debt. Veterinary medicine creates a financial burden with $157,515 debt against $79,110 earnings that may never balance out.
Auburn's main financial risk lies in its regional job market concentration. If you plan to work outside the Southeast, your degree may not carry the same weight as competitors. The 79% graduation rate means one in five students leaves without finishing, wasting their investment entirely.
Auburn works best if you want business, engineering, or agriculture careers in Alabama, Georgia, or surrounding states. Out-of-state students should think twice given Auburn's limited national brand recognition relative to costs. In-state students get strong value, especially in business and engineering programs.
Only 12% of students receive need-based aid, signaling Auburn expects families to pay full freight. Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive. Your best cost strategy involves choosing high-earning majors like business administration while avoiding debt-heavy programs like veterinary medicine and pharmacy unless you have clear career paths that justify the expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auburn University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Auburn's $23,897 annual net price produces median earnings of $65,337 after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional value. The 79% graduation rate and relatively low $21,000 median debt help offset the moderate earnings.
What are the highest paying majors at Auburn University?
Auburn's pharmacy program leads with $119,954 median earnings, followed by business administration at $114,892. These programs justify the cost, while lower-paying majors like veterinary medicine at $79,110 may struggle with debt payback.
How much student debt do Auburn University graduates typically have?
Auburn graduates carry a median debt of $21,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. This relatively low debt load makes Auburn a safer financial choice than many comparable universities.
Does Auburn University provide good financial aid?
Auburn's $23,897 net price suggests decent financial aid for in-state students, though out-of-state costs are significantly higher. The school's aid packages help keep debt levels reasonable for most graduates.