Study in Auburn, The United States

About Auburn

Auburn is a college town in east central Alabama, in the southeastern United States. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated its population at 83,757 in 2024. The town lies on Interstate 85, less than 60 miles northeast of the state capital, Montgomery, about 30 miles from Columbus, Georgia, and 100 miles southwest of Atlanta. Alabama's Gulf Shores beaches are less than four hours away.

Life in the town revolves around Auburn University, which had 34,145 students in 2024-25. Students choose Auburn for a large public research university in a small-city setting, with the campus traditions and college sport of the American South. The university is a charter member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Studying in Auburn

Our directory lists one university and one private school in Auburn. Auburn University was founded in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, 20 years after the town itself, and in 1872 became the first land-grant college in the South. It has been called Auburn University since 1960. Today it is a public land-, sea- and space-grant university. According to its own figures, it had 27,907 undergraduate and 6,238 graduate and professional students in 2024-25, a student-to-faculty ratio of 21 to 1, 150 majors and 600 clubs and organizations.

For school-age students, Lee-Scott Academy on Academy Drive is a Christian college preparatory school. According to the school, it has 833 students from K4 (pre-kindergarten) to 12th grade, divided into a Lower, Middle and Upper School, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

Teaching is in English at both institutions. The academic year in the United States typically runs from September to May.

Student visa

International students usually need an F student visa, which covers degree study and English courses. After admission, the institution's international student office sends you a Form I-20 (or a DS-2019 for J exchange programmes) to present when you apply for the visa. According to EducationUSA, international students may work on campus up to 20 hours a week in their first year, with permission from that office.

Cost of living for students

International students pay the out-of-state rate at Auburn University. According to College Navigator, a first-year undergraduate in 2024-25 paid $34,922 in out-of-state tuition and fees ($12,890 for Alabama residents) and $16,626 for food and housing on campus. Including books and other expenses, the estimated total for an out-of-state student living on campus was $58,914. These figures change every year, so check the university's current cost pages before you apply.

Getting around and daily life

Auburn is a small city, and daily life for most students stays close to the campus. The university's bus system, Tiger Transit, is for students, faculty and staff. During the fall and spring semesters it runs Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. The general public uses Lee-Russell Public Transit, the transit system for Lee County. For longer trips, Atlanta is about 100 miles away along Interstate 85.

Winters are mild and summers hot. At the Auburn weather station, the 1991-2020 normals of NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information give an average temperature of 45.7 °F (about 8 °C) in January and 80.0 °F (about 27 °C) in July, with average daily highs of 89.2 °F (about 32 °C) in July.

Frequently asked questions

Which university is in Auburn, Alabama?

Auburn University, a public land-, sea- and space-grant university founded in 1856, with 34,145 students in 2024-25.

How much does it cost to study at Auburn University as an international student?

For 2024-25, College Navigator gives out-of-state tuition and fees of $34,922 for a first-year undergraduate, and an estimated total of $58,914 with food and housing on campus.

Can students get around Auburn without a car?

On and around campus, yes. Tiger Transit buses serve Auburn University students, faculty and staff on weekdays during the fall and spring semesters, and Lee-Russell Public Transit serves Lee County.

What is the weather like in Auburn?

Winters are mild, with an average of 45.7 °F (about 8 °C) in January, and summers are hot, averaging 80.0 °F (about 27 °C) in July, according to NOAA's 1991-2020 normals.