West Virginia University vs Auburn University

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Deciding which university to attend can be a challenging process, with various factors to consider such as cost, location, academics, and campus life. In this article, we will compare two schools, West Virginia University (WVU) and Auburn University, providing an in-depth look into their offerings to help you make an informed decision.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

West Virginia University Overview

West Virginia University (WVU) is a public research institution located in Morgantown, West Virginia. Founded in 1867, the university offers a wide range of academic programs across various fields, including engineering, business, and health sciences. With over 27,000 students and a faculty-to-student ratio of 19:1, WVU is committed to providing a comprehensive and diverse learning experience for its students.

West Virginia University Costs & Tuition

Tuition at WVU varies depending on the student’s residency status. For in-state students, the estimated cost of tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year is $8,976, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $25,320. Room and board costs are estimated to be around $10,980 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, and loans to help students with their expenses.

West Virginia University Admissions

Admission to WVU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 70%. Prospective students are required to submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal statement. The average high school GPA for admitted students is 3.47, while the average SAT score ranges between 1110 and 1260, and the average ACT score is between 21 and 27.

West Virginia University Degrees Offered

WVU offers over 350 majors and degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Some popular programs include Engineering, Business Administration, Health Sciences, and Agriculture. The university also offers a variety of online and distance learning programs for students who require more flexibility in their schedules.

West Virginia University Academics

WVU is known for its strong academic programs and research opportunities. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, which allows for personalized attention and close interactions between students and professors. Additionally, WVU is classified as an R1 Research University by the Carnegie Classification, indicating a high level of research activity.

West Virginia University Diversity

WVU has a diverse student population, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through various programs and initiatives, including the Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program and the LGBTQ+ Center.

West Virginia University Students

WVU has a vibrant student community, offering over 400 student organizations, including clubs, fraternities, and sororities. The university also has a strong athletic program, with the WVU Mountaineers competing in various NCAA Division I sports.

West Virginia University Campus

The WVU campus spans over 913 acres, with modern facilities and picturesque surroundings. The university offers various on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartment complexes. Students can also enjoy various dining options, a recreation center, and extensive library resources.

West Virginia University Alumni

WVU boasts a vast alumni network, with notable graduates such as NASA astronaut Jon McBride, actress Cheryl Hines, and former Cisco Systems CEO John Chambers.

West Virginia University Rankings

According to the U.S. News & World Report, WVU ranks #249 in National Universities, #121 in Top Public Schools, and #153 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.

West Virginia University Outcomes

WVU has a graduation rate of 63%, with 84% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for WVU graduates is $47,000.

Auburn University Overview

Auburn University is a public research institution located in Auburn, Alabama. Established in 1856, the university offers a wide range of academic programs in various fields such as engineering, business, and agriculture. With over 30,000 students and a faculty-to-student ratio of 19:1, Auburn is committed to providing a comprehensive and diverse learning experience for its students.

Auburn University Costs & Tuition

Tuition at Auburn varies depending on the student’s residency status. For in-state students, the estimated cost of tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year is $11,796, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $31,986. Room and board costs are estimated to be around $13,332 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, and loans to help students with their expenses.

Auburn University Admissions

Admission to Auburn is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 75%. Prospective students are required to submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal statement. The average high school GPA for admitted students is 3.85, while the average SAT score ranges between 1160 and 1340, and the average ACT score is between 25 and 31.

Auburn University Degrees Offered

Auburn offers over 150 majors and degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Some popular programs include Engineering, Business Administration, Agriculture, and Veterinary Medicine. The university also offers a variety of online and distance learning programs for students who require more flexibility in their schedules.

Auburn University Academics

Auburn is known for its strong academic programs and research opportunities. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, which allows for personalized attention and close interactions between students and professors. Additionally, Auburn is classified as an R1 Research University by the Carnegie Classification, indicating a high level of research activity.

Auburn University Diversity

Auburn has a diverse student population, with students from all 50 states and over 80 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through various programs and initiatives, including the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Cross-Cultural Center for Excellence.

Auburn University Students

Auburn has a vibrant student community, offering over 500 student organizations, including clubs, fraternities, and sororities. The university also has a strong athletic program, with the Auburn Tigers competing in various NCAA Division I sports.

Auburn University Campus

The Auburn campus spans over 1,843 acres, with modern facilities and picturesque surroundings. The university offers various on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartment complexes. Students can also enjoy various dining options, a recreation center, and extensive library resources.

Auburn University Alumni

Auburn boasts a vast alumni network, with notable graduates such as Apple CEO Tim Cook, bestselling author Ace Atkins, and former NBA star Charles Barkley.

Auburn University Rankings

According to the U.S. News & World Report, Auburn ranks #97 in National Universities, #42 in Top Public Schools, and #93 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.

Auburn University Outcome

Auburn has a graduation rate of 78%, with 88% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Auburn graduates is $51,000.

West Virginia University vs Auburn University Cost Comparison

When comparing the costs of attending West Virginia University and Auburn University, it’s important to consider both tuition and additional expenses such as room and board. For in-state students, WVU’s tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year are $8,976, while Auburn’s are $11,796. For out-of-state students, WVU’s tuition and fees are $25,320, while Auburn’s are $31,986.

Room and board costs are also slightly higher at Auburn, with an estimated cost of $13,332 compared to WVU’s $10,980. While both institutions offer financial aid options to assist students with their expenses, the overall cost of attendance may be a deciding factor for some students.

West Virginia University vs Auburn University Admissions Difficulty

Both West Virginia University and Auburn University have moderately competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 70% and 75%, respectively. However, Auburn has slightly higher average GPA and test score requirements for admitted students. The average high school GPA for admitted Auburn students is 3.85, while the average for admitted WVU students is 3.47. In terms of standardized test scores, the average SAT score ranges between 1160 and 1340 for Auburn and 1110 and 1260 for WVU. The average ACT score is between 25 and 31 for Auburn and 21 and 27 for WVU.

West Virginia University vs Auburn University Academic Difficulty

Both West Virginia University and Auburn University offer challenging and engaging academic programs, with a student-faculty ratio of 19:1 at both institutions. This allows for personalized attention and close interactions between students and professors, promoting academic success. Both universities are classified as R1 Research Universities by the Carnegie Classification, indicating a high level of research activity and commitment to academic excellence.

West Virginia University vs Auburn University Outcome Comparison

When comparing outcomes for graduates of West Virginia University and Auburn University, several key factors should be considered, including graduation rates, employment rates, and starting salaries. Auburn has a higher graduation rate of 78%, compared to WVU’s 63%. Additionally, 88% of Auburn graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, compared to 84% of WVU graduates.

In terms of starting salaries, Auburn graduates have a slightly higher average starting salary of $51,000, while WVU graduates can expect an average starting salary of $47,000. While both universities offer strong academic programs and resources to support student success, prospective students should carefully consider these outcomes when making their decision.