FAQ — Before You Apply for Auburn Scholarships

Does Auburn automatically consider students for scholarships?
Yes. Every freshman applicant is automatically reviewed for admission-based merit scholarships if they apply by the December 1 priority deadline and submit official test scores by January 10.

Can students apply test-optional and still qualify for scholarships?
Auburn remains test-optional, but test scores significantly strengthen scholarship eligibility. Students without scores are considered holistically but may qualify for lower-tier merit awards.

What GPA and scores usually earn automatic merit?
Most out-of-state recipients have at least a 3.5 GPA and a 29+ ACT (≈1330 SAT). The top automatic tier starts around 33+ ACT or 1450+ SAT with a GPA of 3.75 or higher.

Do scholarships stack with Auburn’s Honors College or state aid?
Yes — Auburn allows stacking of automatic merit, competitive, and Honors scholarships up to the total cost of attendance. Alabama residents can also layer state grants and federal aid.

When will students find out if they received merit aid?
Automatic scholarship notifications typically accompany or follow admission offers (late fall through February). Competitive awards such as Stamps or Presidential are released in the spring.

Is Auburn generous for out-of-state students?
Very. Out-of-state merit ranges from $7,000 to $17,000 per year, and strong applicants may compete for full-tuition or full-ride packages through the Honors College or Stamps Program.

Where do I manage scholarship applications and offers?
Auburn uses its online AUSOM portal (Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager) to handle both automatic and departmental scholarships. Students should complete their AUSOM profile after applying for admission.

Sources:
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/competitive-merit.php
https://collegereadyparent.org/auburn-university-scholarships/
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/firstyearstudents.php
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/faq.php
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/dates-and-deadlines.php
https://honors.auburn.edu/scholarships/nps/
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/ausom/
https://honors.auburn.edu/scholarships/fs/
https://honors.auburn.edu/admissions/faqs/
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/honors-scholarship.php
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/general-departmental.php
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/
https://honors.auburn.edu/scholarships/eagles/
http://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/underrship/undergraduate

Average Federal Net Price: $23,897 — what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on federal data. Your cost can be lower or higher depending on aid.

Regional Tuition Options: Auburn participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) for select majors. It’s not a blanket out-of-state discount—eligibility depends on your home state and program.

Learn more about these programs: ACM

FAQ — Understanding Auburn Costs

Why is Auburn’s out-of-state tuition so much higher?
Auburn is a public university funded primarily by Alabama taxpayers, so non-residents pay the full cost of instruction. Out-of-state tuition adds about $22,000 per year compared to in-state students.

Can out-of-state students ever pay in-state rates?
Yes — but only under specific conditions. Auburn participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), which allows students from certain Southern states to pay in-state tuition if their chosen major isn’t offered in their home state.

Does Auburn automatically offer tuition discounts or waivers?
Not by residency alone. However, strong non-resident applicants can earn automatic merit scholarships that offset part of the out-of-state rate—sometimes bringing the total cost close to in-state levels.

What does the “average net price” actually represent?
It’s the average amount families paid after scholarships and grants, not including loans. Auburn’s current federal net price is about $23,900 per year, though high-achieving or Pell-eligible students often pay much less.

Are housing and meal costs fixed?
No. The $17,210 figure represents a typical double room and mid-tier meal plan. Actual totals vary by residence hall, apartment, and dining plan choice.

When should families complete the FAFSA?
To maximize Auburn’s need-based and state aid, complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens (December) and submit all admission materials before February 1 for scholarship priority.

Auburn automatically considers admitted students for merit awards based on GPA and test scores. Key dates: A complete admission file (application + transcript + scores if submitted) must be received by Dec 1 for automatic scholarship review. Updated ACT/SAT scores may be submitted through Jan 10 for scholarship consideration. Auburn accepts ACT Superscore and calculates SAT Superscore. Applying early generally improves chances.

Scholarship	Award Amount (per year)	Eligibility (GPA / Test)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Spirit of Auburn Presidential (AL residents)	$11,000	3.5+ GPA & ACT 33–36 (SAT equiv.)	No — automatic if admitted by Dec 1; score updates by Jan 10	Yes — up to 8 semesters; 3.0 AU GPA & 24 credits/yr	Top AL residents with highest test scores; early action helps.	Dec 1 (app) / Jan 10 (score)
Spirit of Auburn Founders (AL residents)	$9,000	3.5+ GPA & ACT 30–32 (SAT equiv.)	No (automatic)	Yes — same terms	Strong AL residents just below Presidential level.	Dec 1 / Jan 10
Spirit of Auburn University (AL residents)	$5,000	3.5+ GPA & ACT 28–29 (SAT equiv.)	No (automatic)	Yes — same terms	Common for solid AL admits meeting the cutoff.	Dec 1 / Jan 10
Academic Presidential (Non-resident)	$15,000 – $17,000 (33+ ACT → $17k)	3.5+ GPA & ACT 33–36 (SAT equiv.)	No (automatic)	Yes — same terms	Top OOS admits with 33+ ACT or high SAT.	Dec 1 / Jan 10
Academic Heritage (Non-resident)	$11,000	3.5+ GPA & ACT 31–32 (SAT equiv.)	No (automatic)	Yes — same terms	Competitive OOS students with strong scores.	Dec 1 / Jan 10
Academic Charter (Non-resident)	$7,000	3.5+ GPA & ACT 29–30 (SAT equiv.)	No (automatic)	Yes — same terms	Typical for OOS admits at this band.	Dec 1 / Jan 10

Automatic Merit FAQ (Auburn)

• Do I need a separate application? No — admitted students are reviewed automatically if their complete admission file (application, transcript, test scores if submitted) is in by Dec 1.
• When is the last date to send updated test scores? Auburn accepts ACT/SAT updates through Jan 10 for scholarship consideration, but the admission file must be complete by Dec 1 to qualify.
• Does Auburn superscore the ACT and SAT? Yes. Auburn accepts ACT Superscore and calculates SAT Superscore for both admission and scholarship review.
• Is the GPA weighted or unweighted? Auburn uses the weighted GPA reported on the high school transcript for scholarship eligibility.
• Are the GPA/test cutoffs guaranteed? No — the posted GPA and ACT/SAT bands are competitive guides. Awards can shift depending on the year’s applicant pool and available funding.

Sources:
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/firstyearstudents.php
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/dates-and-deadlines.php
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/faq.html
https://www.auburn.edu/testscores
https://auburn.edu/admissions/prospective-students/freshmen/index.php
https://auburn.edu/admissions/faq.php
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/auburn-university-non-resident-merit-scholarships
https://www.collegeraptor.com/colleges/scholarships/Auburn-University-AL–100858
https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/spirit-of-auburn-presidential-scholarship/
https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/spirit-of-auburn-university-scholarship/
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/competitive-merit.php
https://content.myconnectsuite.com/api/documents/d5ab2e44a9e14cb29c225c4b1eff936c.pdf
https://www.fastweb.com/directory/college/auburn-university-scholarships
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/fys-scholarship-guiddelines.php

These scholarships require a separate application, essay, or nomination. Some are highly competitive and go to students with top academics, leadership, or unique backgrounds. Apply early—and aim intentionally.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Spirit of Auburn (Competitive)	Up to full tuition	Top 5% of applicant pool; leadership, GPA, and community service	Yes — via AUSOM	Yes — 4 years	Usually students with a 4.0 GPA, 32+ ACT (or 1450+ SAT), and significant leadership roles.	AUSOM priority: Feb 15
National Scholars Presidential	Full tuition + housing + meal plan + stipend	National Merit Finalists naming Auburn as first choice	Yes — through NMSC & Auburn coordination	Yes — 4 years	Exclusively National Merit Finalists who list Auburn as their first-choice school with NMSC.	NMSC designation: March; confirm with Auburn by May 1

📅 Deadlines to Know:

• Spirit of Auburn Scholarship — December 1 (priority application deadline)
• National Scholars Presidential (National Merit) — May 31 (NMSC first-choice deadline)

Missing these dates usually means missing the scholarship — mark your calendar early.

Competitive Scholarships FAQ (Auburn)

• When is the deadline for the Spirit of Auburn Scholarship?
  You must complete your admission file by December 1 to be considered. Applying earlier improves your chances.
• Who actually wins the Spirit of Auburn Scholarship?
  Past recipients are typically in the top 5% of applicants, with 4.0 GPAs, 32+ ACT (1450+ SAT), and strong leadership or community service.
• What makes the National Scholars Presidential award different?
  It’s reserved for National Merit Finalists who officially name Auburn as their first-choice school with NMSC. The package covers full tuition, housing, meals, and a stipend.
• How many students receive the National Scholars Presidential?
  Auburn does not publish exact numbers, but awards are limited to the pool of National Merit Finalists selecting Auburn. This makes it one of the most exclusive scholarships on campus.

Sources:
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/ausom/
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/competitive-merit.php
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/faq.html
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/dates-and-deadlines.php
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/firstyearstudents.php
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/general-departmental.php
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/
https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/spirit-of-auburn-university-scholarship/
https://merit-scholarships.com/auburn-university/
https://auburn.edu/scholarship/fys-scholarship-guidelines.php
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1688114615260114/posts/2102851070453131/
https://auburn.edu/scholarship/resources/EnrichmentExperienceGuidelines.pdf

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Auburn Club Scholarships	$500–$2,000	Ties to local alumni clubs; often requires short essay or community involvement	Yes — via AUSOM	Varies	Students from regions with active Auburn alumni clubs who apply early.	Feb 15 (AUSOM priority)
Alumni Legacy Scholarship	$1,500 / year	Parent or grandparent is an Auburn graduate; alumni verification required	Yes — via AUSOM	Yes	Legacy families who submit documentation on time.	Feb 15 (AUSOM)
4-H and FFA Scholarships	$1,000–$3,000 / year	Active participation in 4-H, FFA, or agricultural programs	Yes — via AUSOM	Yes	Students with clear ag backgrounds who highlight activities in AUSOM.	Feb 15 (AUSOM)
Military Dependent & ROTC Aid	Varies (tuition offsets, stipends, housing aid)	Military-connected students (active duty, veteran, dependent, or ROTC)	Yes — via AUSOM + service documentation	Yes (if criteria met)	Military families who submit documentation and check AUSOM categories carefully.	Feb 15 (AUSOM)
Departmental Scholarships	$500–$3,000 +	Majors like engineering, agriculture, nursing; typically GPA 3.5 +	Yes — via AUSOM	Yes (usually)	Strong students within individual colleges who indicate major on AUSOM.	Feb 15 (AUSOM)
First-Generation Grant	Up to $4,000 / year	Parents did not graduate college; FAFSA + AUSOM required	Yes	Yes	First-gen students who meet FAFSA deadlines and apply in AUSOM.	Feb 15 (AUSOM + FAFSA)
Coca-Cola First-Generation Scholarship	Covers tuition + fees (four years)	Alabama residents, first-gen, financial need (Pell-eligible preferred)	Yes — via AUSOM	Yes — 4 years	First-gen Alabama students with strong financial need.	Feb 15 (AUSOM)
Marching Band & Music Awards	$1,000–$4,000	Participation in band ensemble; audition required	Yes — audition + AUSOM	Yes	Talented musicians (including non-music majors); Batson Family Endowed targets Marching Band members.	Audition schedules vary (by Jan–Feb); AUSOM Feb 15

Tip: These awards often fly under the radar. Encourage your student to complete every AUSOM section thoroughly—many of these only appear if you check the right box.

Hidden Gem Scholarships FAQ (Auburn)

• How do Auburn Club Scholarships work?
  Awards are tied to local alumni clubs. If your student is from an area with an active club, applying through AUSOM can unlock $500–$2,000 awards that are often overlooked.
• What’s required for the Alumni Legacy Scholarship?
  Students must verify that a parent or grandparent graduated from Auburn. The award is $1,500 per year and renewable if the student stays in good standing.
• Who qualifies for the Coca-Cola First-Generation Scholarship?
  It’s reserved for Alabama residents who are first-generation and show financial need (Pell eligibility preferred). It covers tuition and fees for up to four years.
• Are Marching Band scholarships only for music majors?
  No. Any student in the band program can audition for awards ($1,000–$4,000). Non-music majors are eligible, and the Batson Family Scholarship specifically supports Marching Band members.
• Do departmental scholarships have GPA cutoffs?
  Most colleges (engineering, nursing, agriculture, etc.) set their own minimums, often around 3.5 GPA. Applying through AUSOM and declaring your major correctly is critical.

Sources:
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/ausom/
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/alumni.php
https://alumni.auburn.edu/project/auburn-club-auburn-alumni-affiliate-scholarship/
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/general-departmental.php
https://band.auburn.edu/ensembles/symphonic_winds/auditions.htm
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/rotc-scholarships.php
https://www.alumni.auburn.edu/events-programs/scholarships/auburn-alumni-association-scholarship/
https://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/articles/careers-and-education/what-is-the-auburn-legacy-scholarship.html
https://auburn.edu/scholarship/faq.html
https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/scholarship-package-auburn/1895766?page=3
https://risefirst.org/resources/resource-directory?location=Alabama&life_stage=++++++++++++++++++++&category=Scholarship&topic=Leadership
https://auburn.edu/academic/rotc/arotc/join/index.php
https://auburn.edu/scholarship/ausom/indexndex.php

How it works:

To apply, your kid submits a separate Honors College application through their Auburn applicant portal. Strong candidates usually have a 3.85+ GPA and ACT scores in the 29–33 range—but the review is holistic. They’re looking for leadership, writing depth, and intellectual spark.

Apply by the February 15 priority deadline to stay eligible for Honors-based scholarships.

💡 How Honors Can Impact Scholarships

Getting into Auburn’s Honors College won’t guarantee more money—but it can open doors that stay shut to the general pool. Think access to departmental awards, research grants, and leadership-based funding that quietly favors Honors students.

Examples:

• Honors College Enrichment Award: For high-performing Honors students who stand out academically or take initiative. Award ranges from $1,000–$4,000.
• Departmental Research Fellowships: Offered by many majors, often limited to students in Honors or nominated by faculty.

Your kid doesn’t need to be in Honors to get merit aid—but if they’re close to qualifying, it’s often a strategic edge worth reaching for.

❓ Auburn Honors College FAQs

How competitive is Auburn’s Honors College?
Very. Each year, the college receives 2,000+ applications for around 400–450 spots. A 3.85+ GPA and 29–33 ACT (or SAT equivalent) is common, but essays and recommendations carry serious weight. Auburn looks for leadership and writing strength, not just numbers.

Do Honors students get special housing?
Yes. Honors housing is offered in South Donahue and the Quad dorms, where communities are built around seminar cohorts. Spaces fill quickly, and placement is tied to when you apply for housing—so applying early matters.

What classes are different in Honors?
Instead of gen-ed lectures, Honors students can take smaller seminar sections. Auburn runs “Honors Lyceum” and “Honors Discovery” courses designed just for this group, often taught by senior faculty who don’t usually teach freshmen.

Are there scholarships tied directly to Honors?
Yes, but they’re limited and competitive. The Honors College Enrichment Award ($1,000–$4,000) is one example, and many departments at Auburn quietly reserve research stipends and fellowships for Honors students. Admission itself doesn’t bring automatic merit aid, but it can unlock pools of money that regular students can’t access.

Does Honors help with post-graduate opportunities?
Absolutely. Auburn’s Honors students are disproportionately represented in Rhodes, Truman, and Goldwater nominations. Faculty mentors often nominate Honors kids for these national awards, and there’s a dedicated staff member for fellowship advising.

What happens if a student’s GPA drops once they’re in Honors?
Students need to maintain at least a 3.2 GPA to remain in good standing. Falling below that triggers a probation period with advising support. If grades don’t rebound, Honors status (and access to Honors-only courses and awards) can be revoked.

Sources:
https://bulletin.auburn.edu/Policies/Academic/specialacademicopportunities/honorscollege/
https://honors.auburn.edu/admissions/app-info/
https://honors.auburn.edu/admissions/prospective-students/
https://honors.auburn.edu/academics/advising/
https://honors.auburn.edu/scholarships/fs/
https://honors.auburn.edu/admissions/faqs/
https://honors.auburn.edu/scholarships/nps/
https://honors.auburn.edu/about/staff/
https://bulletin.auburn.edu/generalinformation/studentservices/housingandresidencelife/
https://publicuniversityhonors.com/2012/01/26/honors-residence-halls-auburn-university/
https://collegereadyparent.org/auburn-university-scholarships/
https://honors.auburn.edu/_assets/pdf/Handbook_Honors_24_2514_251.pdf

Veterinary Medicine — Ranked #11 nationally (U.S. News, 2023)

Why it matters: robust clinical training and strong outcomes for animal & biomedical careers.

Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!