Auburn University vs Birmingham-Southern College
Auburn University is moderately selective with a 50.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Birmingham-Southern College (51.9%). Graduates of Auburn University earn $5,856 more per year at the 10-year mark ($65,337 vs $59,481). For families earning $48k–$75k, Auburn University is more affordable at $20,558 net price vs $21,634. Students at Auburn University graduate with less debt ($21,000 vs $25,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Auburn University has a higher yield rate (24.4%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Auburn University has a higher median SAT (1310 vs 1230).
Auburn, AL
Birmingham, AL
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Auburn University is more affordable at $16,681 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $29,547 vs $25,419.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Birmingham-Southern College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (23%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Auburn University
- 1 Chemical Engineering$74,576
- 2 Engineering, Other$74,157
- 3 Mechanical Engineering$68,778
- 4 Architectural Engineering$66,240
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$65,753
Birmingham-Southern College
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations$33,993
- 2 Psychology, General$26,933
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Auburn University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 3 Marketing
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Mechanical Engineering
Birmingham-Southern College
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Computer and Information Sciences, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Auburn University
- International students5%
- Tuition (international)$30,240
- Est. total cost/year$45,734
- School typePublic
Birmingham-Southern College
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$17,650
- Est. total cost/year$31,800
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Auburn University or Birmingham-Southern College?
Auburn University is more selective with a 50.5% acceptance rate, compared to 51.9%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Auburn University or Birmingham-Southern College?
Auburn University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $65,337 compared to $59,481. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Auburn University or Birmingham-Southern College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Auburn University has a lower net price at $20,558 per year vs $21,634. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Auburn University vs Birmingham-Southern College?
Auburn University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 80.6%, compared to 64.2%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Auburn University or Birmingham-Southern College?
Auburn University has a larger international student population at 5% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Auburn University and Birmingham-Southern College?
At Auburn University, Chemical Engineering graduates earn a median of $74,576 within two years. At Birmingham-Southern College, the top-earning major is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $33,993. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.