Auburn University vs University of South Carolina-Columbia: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Auburn University and University of South Carolina-Columbia, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Auburn University vs University of South Carolina-Columbia at a glance
Auburn University admits 45.9% of applicants and University of South Carolina-Columbia 60.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $25,424 at Auburn University and $22,197 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. Six-year graduation rates are 82.1% and 78.7%, 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 University of South Carolina-Columbia 60.2%, so Auburn University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $25,424 a year at Auburn University and $22,197 at University of South Carolina-Columbia; University of South Carolina-Columbia costs $3,227 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $19,536 at Auburn University and $13,832 at University of South Carolina-Columbia.
- 82.1% of students graduate within six years at Auburn University, against 78.7% at University of South Carolina-Columbia.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $73,273 for Auburn University and $69,024 for University of South Carolina-Columbia; Auburn University is $4,249 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Auburn University and $20,500 at University of South Carolina-Columbia.
- Auburn University enrolls 26,816 students (small city) and University of South Carolina-Columbia 29,820 (midsize city).
Side by side
Auburn University and University of South Carolina-Columbia 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 | University of South Carolina-Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 45.9% | 60.2% |
| Applicants | 27,619 | 42,045 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1260–1390 | 1180–1360 |
| ACT middle 50% | 26–31 | 26–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $25,424 | $22,197 |
| Tuition, in state | $13,318 | $12,688 |
| Tuition, out of state | $36,022 | $37,376 |
| Cost of attendance | $36,285 | $32,193 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $19,536 | $13,832 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $19,065 | $14,286 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $21,665 | $17,357 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $25,366 | $23,410 |
| Over $110,000 | $30,726 | $28,504 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 82.1% | 78.7% |
| First-year retention | 94.8% | 92.2% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $73,273 | $69,024 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $20,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $233 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 26,816 | 29,820 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
| Location | Auburn, AL | Columbia, SC |
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 University of South Carolina-Columbia 72; 49 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Auburn University vs University of South Carolina-Columbia
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Auburn University or University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Auburn University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Auburn University admits 45.9% of applicants and University of South Carolina-Columbia admits 60.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Auburn University 1260–1390; University of South Carolina-Columbia 1180–1360.
Which is cheaper, Auburn University or University of South Carolina-Columbia?
University of South Carolina-Columbia has the lower average net price after grants: $25,424 a year at Auburn University against $22,197 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $19,536 and $13,832. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Auburn University or University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates earn more?
Auburn University graduates earn more at the median: $73,273 ten years after entry for Auburn University and $69,024 for University of South Carolina-Columbia. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $20,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Auburn University or University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Auburn University does: 82.1% of Auburn University students graduate within six years, against 78.7% at University of South Carolina-Columbia.
How big are Auburn University and University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Auburn University has 26,816 students in Auburn, AL and University of South Carolina-Columbia has 29,820 students in Columbia, SC.