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College Comparison

UC San Diego vs Auburn University: Which is Better?

Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.

School

UC San Diego

La Jolla, CA

School

Auburn University

Auburn, AL

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUC San DiegoAuburn
Acceptance Rate24.5%wins50.5%
SAT Range (25th–75th)N/A1240–1380wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)N/A25–31
Tuition (Out-of-State)$46,042$33,944wins
Avg Net Price$11,750wins$23,897
Median Earnings (10 yr)$84,943wins$65,337
Graduation Rate87.6%wins79.2%
Retention Rate93.9%wins93.2%
Student–Faculty Ratio19:1wins21:1
Total Enrollment33,787wins25,732

Verdict

Based on the data above, UC San Diego edges out Auburn on 7 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.

UC San Diego Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 24.5%
  • Avg Net Price: $11,750
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $84,943
  • Graduation Rate: 87.6%

Auburn Strengths

  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1240–1380
  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,944

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