Florida State vs Auburn

Florida State University and Auburn University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences to their students. FSU, located in the vibrant city of Tallahassee, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, with popular majors including Business, Psychology, and Criminology. Auburn, situated in the charming town of Auburn, Alabama, is known for its strong engineering and agriculture programs, attracting students interested in fields like Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Animal Sciences. While FSU has a slightly higher acceptance rate, both universities offer competitive admissions processes. With distinct student demographics, graduation rates, and campus cultures, FSU and Auburn cater to different preferences and aspirations. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.
Auburn University logo

Auburn University

Florida State University logo

Florida State University

Overview

Location Auburn, Alabama Tallahassee, Florida
Campus setting City: Small City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 93.0% 94.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 71.2% 37.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $60
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $30
SAT range N/A 1180 - 1340
ACT range N/A 26 - 30
Students submitting SAT score 65.0%
Students submitting ACT score 36.0%
Total number of applicants 27,619 65,235
Total number of admissions given out 19,660 24,183
Admitted students who chose to enroll 5,311 7,619
Yield rate 27.0% 31.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $33,650

Out of state: $53,810
In state: $23,476

Out of state: $36,606
Average net price $23,873 $12,684
Tuition
In state: $10,080

Out of state: $30,240
In state: $4,022

Out of state: $16,540
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $8,892

Meal plan: $5,704
Room/dormitory: $7,020

Meal plan: $4,856
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

69.0%
Average amount $10,448
94.0%
Average amount $10,620
Students receiving federal student loan 27.0%
Average amount $5,232
19.0%
Average amount $4,996
Students taking out private loans 5.0%
Average amount $24,894
2.0%
Average amount $13,430

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 24,931
Men 50.5% Women 49.5%
33,593
Men 42.9% Women 57.1%
Graduate students 6,595
Men 46.7% Women 53.3%
11,537
Men 38.4% Women 61.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Low
Out-of-state students 43.6% 15.7%
International students 7.0% 4.2%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 4,823 6,709
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Alabama Georgia Florida Tennessee Texas Florida Georgia New Jersey New York Illinois

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Engineering
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Agriculture
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Legal Profession
Students to faculty ratio 20:1 22:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 80.9% 83.2%
Dropout rate 4.4% 10.9%
Transferred out 13.0% 5.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,330
  • Year 2: $119,954
  • Year 3: $122,981
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $106,330
  • Year 2: $114,892
  • Year 3: $119,917
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,962
  • Year 2: $93,520
  • Year 3: $96,107
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,045
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $94,852
Architectural Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,488
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $86,080
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,285
  • Year 2: $74,576
  • Year 3: $83,134
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,127
  • Year 2: $68,778
  • Year 3: $77,684
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,274
  • Year 2: $65,753
  • Year 3: $75,817
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,558
  • Year 2: $65,170
  • Year 3: $75,401
Real Estate Development (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $74,364
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,926
  • Year 2: $92,632
  • Year 3: $102,429
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,442
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $89,448
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,610
  • Year 2: $68,305
  • Year 3: $78,263
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,971
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $78,057
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $84,179
  • Year 2: $83,177
  • Year 3: $77,718
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,794
  • Year 2: $74,576
  • Year 3: $77,527
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,567
  • Year 2: $61,516
  • Year 3: $75,845
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,881
  • Year 2: $68,918
  • Year 3: $74,476
Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $74,364
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,216
  • Year 2: $60,325
  • Year 3: $72,686

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Florida State University (FSU) and Auburn University?

    FSU, located in Tallahassee, Florida, is a large public university known for its strong programs in film, music, and political science. Auburn, situated in Auburn, Alabama, is also a large public university, but it's particularly renowned for its engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine programs. FSU tends to have a slightly more liberal arts focus, while Auburn leans towards STEM fields. The campus cultures also differ, with FSU having a more urban feel and Auburn offering a more traditional college town experience.

  • How do FSU and Auburn compare in terms of academic reputation?

    Both FSU and Auburn are respected public universities. FSU is often recognized for its film school and creative writing programs, while Auburn is highly regarded for its engineering and agricultural sciences. Rankings fluctuate, but both institutions consistently appear in national university rankings, indicating a commitment to academic excellence. The 'best' school depends on your specific academic interests.

  • What is the cost of attendance at FSU versus Auburn?

    The cost of attendance varies depending on residency. Generally, FSU is slightly less expensive for in-state students compared to Auburn for in-state students. However, out-of-state tuition at Auburn can sometimes be lower than FSU's out-of-state tuition. It's crucial to check the most recent tuition and fees on each university's official website, as well as explore scholarship opportunities to minimize costs.

  • What are the campus environments like at FSU and Auburn?

    FSU's campus is located in Tallahassee, a mid-sized city with a state capital feel. The campus is integrated into the city, offering a blend of college town and urban experiences. Auburn's campus is in a classic college town, providing a more traditional and self-contained university environment. Auburn is known for its strong sense of community and school spirit, while FSU offers a wider range of cultural and entertainment options due to its location.

  • How do the student bodies at FSU and Auburn differ?

    Both universities attract a diverse student body, but there are some differences. FSU tends to draw a larger proportion of students from Florida, while Auburn attracts a significant number of students from Alabama and the Southeast region. FSU may have a slightly more diverse student population overall, but both institutions are committed to fostering inclusive environments. The specific demographics can vary year to year.

  • What are the popular majors at FSU and Auburn?

    At FSU, popular majors include Business, Psychology, Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts (especially Film). At Auburn, popular majors include Engineering (especially Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil), Business, Agriculture, and Veterinary Medicine. Your choice of major should align with your career goals and academic interests.

  • What are the athletic programs like at FSU and Auburn?

    Both FSU and Auburn have strong athletic programs and compete in the NCAA Division I. FSU is known for its football, baseball, and track and field programs. Auburn is renowned for its football, basketball, and swimming and diving programs. Both universities have passionate fan bases and offer a vibrant sports culture.

  • What kind of research opportunities are available at FSU and Auburn?

    Both FSU and Auburn offer a variety of research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. FSU has strong research programs in areas like physics, chemistry, and marine biology. Auburn has significant research activity in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. Students can find research opportunities through faculty connections, departmental programs, and university-wide initiatives. Check each department's website for specific research labs and projects.

  • How do FSU and Auburn compare in terms of career services and job placement?

    Both FSU and Auburn offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. Auburn's strong ties to the engineering and agricultural industries provide excellent job placement opportunities for graduates in those fields. FSU's location in the state capital offers internship and job opportunities in government and related sectors. Both universities have alumni networks that can assist with career advancement.

  • What are the admission requirements for FSU and Auburn?

    Admission requirements for both FSU and Auburn are competitive and typically include a strong high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a well-written application essay. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program and year of application. It's essential to check the admissions websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information and deadlines.

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