Auburn University vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Auburn University and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Auburn University vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville at a glance
Auburn University admits 45.9% of applicants and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 41.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $25,424 at Auburn University and $18,314 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Six-year graduation rates are 82.1% and 74.5%, 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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 41.6%, so The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $25,424 a year at Auburn University and $18,314 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville; The University of Tennessee-Knoxville costs $7,110 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $19,536 at Auburn University and $9,626 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
- 82.1% of students graduate within six years at Auburn University, against 74.5% at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $73,273 for Auburn University and $65,090 for The University of Tennessee-Knoxville; Auburn University is $8,183 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Auburn University and $18,750 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
- Auburn University enrolls 26,816 students (small city) and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 30,418 (midsize city).
Side by side
Auburn University and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 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 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 45.9% | 41.6% |
| Applicants | 27,619 | 29,909 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1260–1390 | 1200–1370 |
| ACT middle 50% | 26–31 | 25–31 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $25,424 | $18,314 |
| Tuition, in state | $13,318 | $13,812 |
| Tuition, out of state | $36,022 | $33,256 |
| Cost of attendance | $36,285 | $35,064 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $19,536 | $9,626 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $19,065 | $11,690 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $21,665 | $17,499 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $25,366 | $22,708 |
| Over $110,000 | $30,726 | $26,651 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 82.1% | 74.5% |
| First-year retention | 94.8% | 91.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $73,273 | $65,090 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $18,750 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $213 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 26,816 | 30,418 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
| Location | Auburn, AL | Knoxville, TN |
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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 81; 60 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Auburn University vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Auburn University or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Auburn University admits 45.9% of applicants and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville admits 41.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Auburn University 1260–1390; The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 1200–1370.
Which is cheaper, Auburn University or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has the lower average net price after grants: $25,424 a year at Auburn University against $18,314 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $19,536 and $9,626. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Auburn University or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn more?
Auburn University graduates earn more at the median: $73,273 ten years after entry for Auburn University and $65,090 for The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $18,750.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Auburn University or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
Auburn University does: 82.1% of Auburn University students graduate within six years, against 74.5% at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
How big are Auburn University and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
Auburn University has 26,816 students in Auburn, AL and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has 30,418 students in Knoxville, TN.