Auburn vs Mizzou

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Auburn University and the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou)?

  Auburn University, located in Auburn, Alabama, is known for its strong engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine programs, as well as its close-knit campus community. The University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou), situated in Columbia, Missouri, is a comprehensive public research university with a renowned journalism school and a broader range of academic offerings. Auburn has a more pronounced Southern feel, while Mizzou offers a more Midwestern experience. Mizzou also has a larger student body and a more urban setting compared to Auburn.

• Which university is larger, Auburn or Mizzou?

  The University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) is larger than Auburn University. Mizzou typically has a higher undergraduate and graduate student enrollment compared to Auburn.

• How do the academic reputations of Auburn and Mizzou compare?

  Both Auburn and Mizzou are respected public universities. Auburn excels in engineering, agriculture, architecture, and veterinary medicine. Mizzou is particularly well-known for its journalism school, but also has strong programs in business, law, and medicine. Both institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and their overall academic reputations are generally comparable, though strengths vary by specific field.

• What is the campus environment like at Auburn versus Mizzou?

  Auburn University offers a more traditional, close-knit campus environment with a strong sense of community and school spirit, deeply rooted in Southern traditions. The University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) has a more diverse and urban campus environment, offering a wider range of social and cultural activities due to its larger size and location in a larger city. Mizzou's campus is also known for its beautiful architecture and historic quad.

• How do the costs of attending Auburn and Mizzou compare?

  The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state). Generally, tuition and fees at the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) are lower for in-state students compared to Auburn University's in-state tuition. However, out-of-state tuition at Mizzou may be comparable to or slightly higher than Auburn's. It's essential to check the latest tuition rates and fees on each university's official website for the most accurate information, and to consider living expenses, which can vary depending on lifestyle.

• What are the athletic programs like at Auburn and Mizzou?

  Both Auburn and Mizzou are members of major athletic conferences (Auburn in the SEC, Mizzou also in the SEC), and both have strong athletic programs, particularly in football. Auburn is known for its passionate fan base and traditions surrounding football and other sports. Mizzou also has a dedicated fan base and competes at a high level in various sports. Both universities offer a wide range of intercollegiate sports and opportunities for student involvement in athletics.

• What are the career opportunities like after graduating from Auburn versus Mizzou?

  Career opportunities after graduation depend on your field of study. Auburn graduates often find opportunities in engineering, agriculture, and related industries, particularly in the Southeast. Mizzou graduates have access to a broader range of opportunities, especially in journalism, media, business, and healthcare, with connections throughout the Midwest and beyond. Both universities have career services offices to assist students with internships and job placement.

• How do the locations of Auburn and Mizzou differ, and how does that affect student life?

  Auburn, Alabama, is a smaller college town, offering a more focused and traditional college experience. Columbia, Missouri, is a larger city with a more diverse population and a wider range of cultural and entertainment options. The location of Auburn contributes to its strong sense of community, while Mizzou's location provides students with more opportunities for internships, entertainment, and cultural experiences outside of campus.

• What kind of student would thrive at Auburn versus Mizzou?

  A student who thrives at Auburn is often someone who values tradition, a close-knit community, and strong school spirit, and is interested in programs like engineering, agriculture, or veterinary medicine. A student who thrives at Mizzou is often someone who enjoys a larger, more diverse campus environment, a wider range of academic and extracurricular options, and is interested in programs like journalism, business, or law. Both universities offer opportunities for students with diverse interests and backgrounds to succeed.

• Are there any specific programs that one university is significantly better known for than the other?

  Yes. Auburn University is particularly renowned for its Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, College of Agriculture, and College of Veterinary Medicine. The University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) is exceptionally well-regarded for its School of Journalism, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country. While both offer a wide array of programs, these are areas where each institution holds a distinct advantage in reputation and resources.