Auburn University vs SMU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Auburn University and Southern Methodist University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Auburn University vs SMU at a glance
Auburn University admits 45.9% of applicants and SMU 63.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $25,424 at Auburn University and $39,816 at SMU. Six-year graduation rates are 82.1% and 82.7%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Auburn University admits 45.9% of applicants and SMU 63.3%, so Auburn University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $25,424 a year at Auburn University and $39,816 at SMU; Auburn University costs $14,392 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $19,536 at Auburn University and $31,728 at SMU.
- 82.1% of students graduate within six years at Auburn University, against 82.7% at SMU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $73,273 for Auburn University and $90,037 for SMU; SMU is $16,764 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Auburn University and $18,750 at SMU.
- Auburn University enrolls 26,816 students (small city) and SMU 7,277 (large suburb).
- Auburn University is a public college and SMU is a private nonprofit college.
Side by side
Auburn University and SMU in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Auburn University | SMU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 45.9% | 63.4% |
| Applicants | 27,619 | 15,685 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1260–1390 | 1340–1490 |
| ACT middle 50% | 26–31 | 30–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $25,424 | $39,816 |
| Tuition, in state | $13,318 | $69,722 |
| Tuition, out of state | $36,022 | $69,722 |
| Cost of attendance | $36,285 | $88,892 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $19,536 | $31,728 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $19,065 | $18,708 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $21,665 | $23,206 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $25,366 | $28,047 |
| Over $110,000 | $30,726 | $57,328 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 82.1% | 82.7% |
| First-year retention | 94.8% | 90.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $73,273 | $90,037 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $18,750 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $213 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 26,816 | 7,277 |
| Type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Auburn, AL | Dallas, TX |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Auburn University reports 93 bachelor's programs and SMU 72; 38 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Auburn University vs SMU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Auburn University or SMU?
Auburn University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Auburn University admits 45.9% of applicants and SMU admits 63.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Auburn University 1260–1390; SMU 1340–1490.
Which is cheaper, Auburn University or SMU?
Auburn University has the lower average net price after grants: $25,424 a year at Auburn University against $39,816 at SMU. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $19,536 and $31,728. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Auburn University or SMU graduates earn more?
SMU graduates earn more at the median: $73,273 ten years after entry for Auburn University and $90,037 for SMU. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $18,750.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Auburn University or SMU?
SMU does: 82.1% of Auburn University students graduate within six years, against 82.7% at SMU.
How big are Auburn University and SMU?
Auburn University has 26,816 students in Auburn, AL and SMU has 7,277 students in Dallas, TX.