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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

A premier R1 research university, Auburn inspires future leaders through innovation and a rich history.

Auburn University, often called AU, stands as a distinguished public land-grant research institution nestled in Auburn, Alabama. Ranked among the nation's "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institutions, Auburn is a powerhouse of discovery and learning. With a vibrant community of over 34,100 students, including more than 27,900 undergraduates and 6,200 graduate students, it proudly holds the title of Alabama's second-largest university and one of the state's two flagship public universities.

The university's history is as rich and dynamic as its present. Chartered in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts institution, it underwent significant transformation. In 1872, it made history as the state's first land-grant university under the Morrill Act, renamed the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama. Further milestones include becoming Alabama's first four-year coeducational school in 1892 and evolving into the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API) in 1899, before finally adopting the esteemed name of Auburn University in 1960. Its campus played roles in the Civil War, and the institution later contributed significantly to both World War I and II, training thousands.

Today, Auburn continues its legacy of academic excellence and student development. While its early curriculum focused on vital fields like engineering and agriculture, the university has broadened its academic offerings significantly, fostering a comprehensive learning environment. Supported by a substantial $1.25 billion endowment and a dedicated faculty, Auburn is committed to advancing science and arts through research, instruction, and extension. The post-WWII era saw massive growth, shaping the thriving university that continues to attract and educate a diverse student body, preparing them to make impactful contributions to the world.

Key Highlights

  • Designated as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" institution, one of only 146 in the U.S.
  • Second-largest university in Alabama, with a total enrollment exceeding 34,100 students.
  • First land-grant university in the South to be established separately from the state university (1872).
  • Alabama's first four-year coeducational school, admitting women in 1892.
  • Manages a substantial endowment of $1.25 billion (FY 2024).
  • Served as a crucial training ground for military personnel during World War I and II, training 32,000 troops between 1941-1945.
  • A flagship public university of Alabama, alongside the University of Alabama.

Timeline

1856
Chartered as East Alabama Male College on February 1.
1859
College began operations with 80 students and 10 faculty.
1872
Became Alabama's first land-grant institution and renamed Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama.
1892
Admitted women for the first time and played its first football game.
1899
Renamed Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API).
1918
Nearly all able-bodied male students joined the U.S. Army's Student Army Training Corps during WWI.
1941
Began extensive participation in the Engineering, Science, and Management War Training (ESMWT) program during WWII.
1960
Name officially changed to Auburn University.
1967
The Alabama Legislature chartered an additional campus, Auburn University at Montgomery.

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