Auburn University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 30, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~44%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24-30
- Middle 50% SAT: 1230-1380
- Average GPA: 3.9
- Below the typical ranges: Auburn is going to feel like a reach. Focus on applying early, submitting strong test scores if you have them, and making sure grades trend upward. Without numbers in range, merit money is unlikely.
- In the typical ranges: This is your sweet spot for both admission and meaningful merit. Hitting the priority deadlines and submitting solid test scores is critical — this is where families leave money on the table.
- Well above the ranges: Auburn becomes a strong merit play. You should be targeting top automatic tiers and positioning for competitive awards like Honors or Stamps-level scholarships.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Auburn University at a Glance
- December 1 deadline = money: Miss the priority deadline and your student may still get in — but likely with less (or no) automatic merit.
- Test-optional… but not really for scholarships: You can apply without scores, but strong ACT/SAT numbers are what unlock the bigger merit tiers.
- AUSOM is a second application: A lot of the “hidden” scholarship money doesn’t come automatically — your student has to complete the AUSOM profile to access it.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No — Auburn University is test-required.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 24-30; SAT: 1230-1380.
Average net price? About $23,897/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in ACM.
University scholarship page: https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/firstyearstudents.php
University scholarship page: https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/competitive-merit.php
General and Departmental Scholarships page: https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/general-departmental.php
Honors College scholarships page: https://honors.auburn.edu/scholarships/fs/
Auburn band auditions page: https://band.auburn.edu/ensembles/symphonic_winds/auditions.htm
AUSOM scholarship portal: https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/ausom/
Alumni Scholarships page: https://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/alumni.php
Auburn Alumni Association – Auburn Club & Affiliate Scholarship: https://alumni.auburn.edu/project/auburn-club-auburn-alumni-affiliate-scholarship/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Auburn University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $13,318 | $36,022 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $17,210 | $17,210 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $30,528 | $53,232 |
Average Federal Net Price: $23,897 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
🎯 Auburn Cost Reality Check (Best / Likely / Worst)
Parents usually want one thing Auburn doesn’t spell out clearly: “What’s a believable ballpark for a kid like mine?” Here’s a simple way to sanity-check your numbers using the cost table above + your student’s merit band.
- Worst-case: No merit (or late file) → you’re paying close to the posted direct cost above.
- Likely: Student lands mid-tier automatic merit → subtract that yearly amount from the out-of-state (or in-state) total.
- Best-case: Top automatic tier + AUSOM/departmental + (if applicable) Honors/competitive → this is where Auburn can become a strong value, especially for out-of-state high scorers.
Tip: Run Auburn’s Net Price Calculator, then compare it to your student’s likely automatic merit tier. If the NPC looks way higher than expected, it usually means merit isn’t included yet — or the file/deadlines didn’t align.
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.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| 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 |
Note: Cutoffs are based on Auburn’s published scholarship chart (2025–26 cycle). Awards are competitive and depend on the applicant pool and available funding.
Deadlines: December 1 (application) and January 10 (test score update).
Note: Cutoffs are based on Auburn’s published scholarship chart and serve as guides, not guarantees. Actual awards depend on the applicant pool and available funding.
- Applying after Dec 1 and assuming merit will “work itself out later.”
- Going test-optional when the student is within reach of a higher tier.
- Not submitting updated scores by Jan 10 after a fall retest.
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.
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
🏆 Competitive Scholarships at Auburn University
You’ll apply for these through the Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager (AUSOM) after submitting your main admissions application. The most competitive awards are often tied to leadership, Honors College, or specific majors.
| 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 |
Notes: Competitive scholarships use Auburn’s AUSOM portal and require separate applications or nominations.
For National Merit Finalists, Auburn coordinates directly with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Deadlines: December 1 (admission for merit eligibility), February 15 (AUSOM priority), and May 1 (National Merit confirmation).
Note: The profiles shown in “Who Actually Wins?” are based on past recipients, Auburn’s published data, and admitted student stats. They are not official cutoffs. Actual winners may vary each year depending on the applicant pool and funding.
Related guides: See our National Merit Scholarships guide for how Auburn’s package compares nationally, and jump to the Auburn Honors College section to understand how leadership and Honors tie into these awards.
• 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.
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
🎓 Honors College at Auburn University
Auburn’s Honors College isn’t automatic. Your kid has to apply—and the bar is high, but not unreachable. Honors is where Auburn puts its academic intensity: smaller classes, deeper discussion, and more direct access to professors and mentoring.
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.
What Honors offers:
- Priority course registration
- Seminar-style classes with deeper engagement
- Dedicated academic advising
- Access to competitive scholarship pools
- Optional Honors housing communities
Admission doesn’t guarantee a scholarship—but it can open doors that wouldn’t be available otherwise. For high-achieving kids with ambition, Honors can be a strategic multiplier.
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.
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
⭐ College Specialty
- Engineering / Business: Use AUSOM to highlight competitions, robotics, entrepreneurship, or leadership roles — these details matter for departmental awards.
- Agriculture / Forestry: If your student has 4-H/FFA, make it obvious in AUSOM (titles, awards, hours). That’s often where “small but stackable” money comes from.
- Aviation: Ask early about flight/program fees and whether scholarships can be applied toward them (this varies by program).
Auburn University is a flagship public research university best known for pairing strong academics with hands-on, career-ready programs. While many families first recognize Auburn for engineering or business, the university has several nationally respected programs that combine research, industry partnerships, and real-world experience — especially in engineering, architecture, agriculture, and aviation.
Samuel Ginn College of Engineering — one of the largest and most respected engineering colleges in the South, with strong national recognition in mechanical, aerospace, civil, and electrical engineering. Auburn engineering students benefit from extensive undergraduate research opportunities, co-ops, and deep industry ties.
- Architecture, Design & Construction (College of Architecture, Design and Construction): Nationally respected for architecture, building science, and construction management, with a strong reputation for studio-based learning and design-build experience.
- Business (Harbert College of Business): AACSB-accredited and known for supply chain, finance, and professional sales programs, supported by corporate partnerships and competitive internship placement.
- Agriculture & Forestry: One of Auburn’s historic strengths, with nationally recognized programs in agricultural sciences, forestry, and natural resources, closely tied to research and extension work.
- Aviation & Aerospace Management: Offers a distinctive blend of aviation, management, and technical training, preparing students for careers in commercial aviation, aerospace operations, and related industries.
🔗 Official Auburn University Links
Use Auburn’s official university resources below to verify admissions details, scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, eligibility rules, and award terms.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://www.auburn.edu/admissions -
Application Deadlines & Requirements:
https://auburn.edu/admissions/prospective-students/freshmen/index.php -
Scholarships & Financial Aid:
https://www.auburn.edu/scholarships -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://auburn.edu/admissions/tuition/costofattendance.php -
Net Price Calculator:
https://app.meadowfi.com/auburn -
Admitted Student Profile / Common Data Set:
https://auburn.edu/administration/ir/common-data-set/index.html