Auburn University logo

Auburn University

Auburn, AL

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

25,732
Total Students
$13K
Tuition (In-State)
$34K
Tuition (Out-State)
$24K
Avg Net Price
50%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Graduation Rate
6-year
93%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Auburn University

Auburn: A historic R1 research powerhouse fostering innovation and community since 1856.

Auburn University stands as a beacon of public higher education in Alabama, renowned as a public land-grant research institution with "very high research activity" (R1 classification). As the second-largest university in the state, serving over 34,100 students, Auburn is one of Alabama's two flagship public universities, deeply committed to advancing science and arts. Its vibrant campus culture and robust academic offerings draw students seeking a comprehensive and impactful educational journey.

Auburn's rich history dates back to 1856, when it was chartered as the East Alabama Male College. Its transformation into the Auburn University we know today mirrors significant historical shifts in the American South. Following the Civil War, it proudly became Alabama's first land-grant university under the Morrill Act in 1872, focusing on agricultural and mechanical studies. This era also saw it become the first four-year coeducational school in Alabama in 1892, a pivotal moment for inclusivity in higher education. Its name evolved through Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama, and Alabama Polytechnic Institute, finally becoming Auburn University in 1960.

Beyond its historical milestones, Auburn University thrives as a center for academic excellence and student development. Initially strong in engineering and agriculture, the curriculum expanded to embrace a broader range of disciplines, fostering growth in both sciences and classics. The university's commitment to research is evident in its R1 classification, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge discoveries. With a spirited campus environment, famously associated with the Tigers and Aubie the Tiger, Auburn offers a dynamic student experience where tradition meets forward-thinking education, preparing graduates for diverse and impactful careers.

Key Highlights

  • Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity," recognizing its significant contributions to discovery.
  • One of Alabama's two flagship public universities and the state's second-largest, with over 34,100 students.
  • Founded in 1856 as East Alabama Male College, evolving to become the state's first land-grant institution and first four-year coeducational school.
  • Manages an endowment of $1.25 billion (FY 2024), supporting its mission of research, instruction, and extension.
  • A proud member of the NCAA Division I FBS – SEC, known for its spirited "Tigers" and beloved mascot, Aubie.
  • Played a vital role in national defense, having trained 32,000 troops during World War II and producing "instant engineers" for defense industries.

Timeline

1856
Chartered as East Alabama Male College.
1859
Began operations with 80 students and 10 faculty.
1872
Became Alabama's first land-grant university under the Morrill Act; renamed Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama.
1892
Became the first four-year coeducational school in Alabama; football was introduced as a sport.
1899
Renamed Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API).
1918
Nearly all able-bodied male students joined the Student Army Training Corps during WWI.
1940
Became an early participant in the Engineering, Science, and Management War Training (ESMWT) program during WWII.
1960
Renamed Auburn University.
1967
Auburn University at Montgomery was chartered as an additional campus.

Find Scholarships at Auburn University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search