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 gives you a solid financial return if you pick the right major, and the numbers back that up more for engineers than anyone else. A 79% grad rate paired with a 93% retention rate means the school actually gets you to a degree, which is the first thing that has to happen for any of this math to work. Median debt of $21,000 against $65,337 in median earnings ten years out is a manageable ratio.
Engineering is where Auburn pays off. Chemical engineering graduates clear $74,576, and they carry only about $22,600 in debt to get there , the debt barely moves across engineering fields while the paychecks stay high. Mechanical, architectural, and electrical engineering all land in the mid-to-high $60s. The regional job market for engineers in the Southeast, with automotive and aerospace employers across Alabama and Georgia, supports these numbers.
The listed program data is all engineering, so it tells you nothing about how a business, education, or liberal arts degree performs here. If you plan to major outside engineering, Auburn's overall median earnings of $65,337 is the number you should anchor to, and it's pulled upward by those engineering salaries. Assume your outcome is lower unless you have specific data for your field.
The net price tilts steeply by income. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about $16,332 a year. over $110k, that jumps to $29,310. For lower-income families that gap is real relief, but $16,332 a year still adds up over four years, so borrowing is likely.
Auburn fits you if you're heading into engineering or a technical field and can handle the cost. If you're paying the top-tier net price for a major with weak earning power, the return gets thin, and you should compare it against a cheaper in-state option.
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.