The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) vs Auburn

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed universities: The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and Auburn University. While both institutions offer exceptional educational opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. UTEP, nestled in the vibrant border city of El Paso, Texas, boasts a diverse student body and a strong focus on Hispanic-serving initiatives. Auburn University, situated in the charming college town of Auburn, Alabama, is renowned for its robust engineering and agricultural programs. As you embark on this side-by-side comparison, delve into the intricacies of each university's acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, ensuring that your higher education experience is both fulfilling and transformative.
Auburn University logo

Auburn University

The University of Texas at El Paso logo

The University of Texas at El Paso

Overview

Location Auburn, Alabama El Paso, Texas
Campus setting City: Small City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 93.0% 70.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 71.2% 100.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $60
$45
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants 27,619 10,153
Total number of admissions given out 19,660 10,151
Admitted students who chose to enroll 5,311 3,076
Yield rate 27.0% 30.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $33,650

Out of state: $53,810
In state: $27,800

Out of state: $43,208
Average net price $23,873 $10,538
Tuition
In state: $10,080

Out of state: $30,240
In state: $7,704

Out of state: $23,112
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $8,892

Meal plan: $5,704
$9,496
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

69.0%
Average amount $10,448
82.0%
Average amount $9,029
Students receiving federal student loan 27.0%
Average amount $5,232
21.0%
Average amount $4,380
Students taking out private loans 5.0%
Average amount $24,894
0.0%
Average amount $8,605

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 24,931
Men 50.5% Women 49.5%
20,065
Men 44.1% Women 55.9%
Graduate students 6,595
Men 46.7% Women 53.3%
3,938
Men 43.0% Women 57.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students 43.6% 2.1%
International students 7.0% 5.5%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Large
Dormitory capacity 4,823 978
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Alabama Georgia Florida Tennessee Texas Texas New Mexico California Florida Arizona

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Engineering
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Agriculture
  • Health Professions
  • Engineering
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 20:1 20:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 80.9% 45.4%
Dropout rate 4.4% 22.7%
Transferred out 13.0% 20.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,330
  • Year 2: $119,954
  • Year 3: $122,981
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $106,330
  • Year 2: $114,892
  • Year 3: $119,917
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,962
  • Year 2: $93,520
  • Year 3: $96,107
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,045
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $94,852
Architectural Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,488
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $86,080
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,285
  • Year 2: $74,576
  • Year 3: $83,134
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,127
  • Year 2: $68,778
  • Year 3: $77,684
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,274
  • Year 2: $65,753
  • Year 3: $75,817
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,558
  • Year 2: $65,170
  • Year 3: $75,401
Real Estate Development (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $74,364
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,721
  • Year 2: $100,522
  • Year 3: $105,629
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,463
  • Year 2: $76,802
  • Year 3: $78,144
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $79,395
  • Year 2: $65,332
  • Year 3: $74,084
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,748
  • Year 2: $58,943
  • Year 3: $72,926
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,729
  • Year 2: $66,821
  • Year 3: $72,486
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,587
  • Year 2: $60,623
  • Year 3: $71,523
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,194
  • Year 2: $65,821
  • Year 3: $69,171
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,525
  • Year 2: $52,420
  • Year 3: $67,643
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,760
  • Year 2: $62,710
  • Year 3: $64,380
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,832
  • Year 2: $54,035
  • Year 3: $63,912

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in location and campus environment between UTEP and Auburn?

    UTEP is located in El Paso, Texas, a city on the U.S.-Mexico border, offering a unique cultural experience and access to both American and Mexican cultures. The campus features distinctive Bhutanese architecture. Auburn University is situated in Auburn, Alabama, a more traditional Southern college town environment. Auburn's campus is known for its classic Southern charm and strong sense of community, with a focus on traditions and athletics.

  • How do the academic programs at UTEP and Auburn compare?

    Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. UTEP is particularly strong in engineering, computer science, and health sciences, often serving a diverse student body. Auburn University is well-regarded for its programs in engineering, business, architecture, and agriculture. The specific strengths of each program may vary, so it's important to research the departments relevant to your field of study.

  • What is the cost of attendance like at UTEP versus Auburn?

    Generally, UTEP offers a more affordable education, especially for in-state students, due to its status as a public university in Texas. Auburn University, as a public university in Alabama, also offers competitive tuition rates for in-state students, but out-of-state tuition may be higher than UTEP's. It's crucial to check the most current tuition and fee information on each university's website, as costs can change.

  • How does the student body diversity compare at UTEP and Auburn?

    UTEP is known for its highly diverse student body, with a significant Hispanic population, reflecting the demographics of El Paso. Auburn University also has a diverse student body, but the racial and ethnic makeup may differ, with a larger representation of students from the Southeast. Both universities are committed to fostering inclusive environments.

  • What are the research opportunities like at UTEP and Auburn?

    Both universities offer research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UTEP, being a research university, has a strong focus on research, particularly in engineering and science, often related to border issues and regional challenges. Auburn University is also a major research institution, with significant research activity in engineering, agriculture, and other fields. The specific research areas and opportunities will vary by department.

  • How do the campus life and extracurricular activities differ between UTEP and Auburn?

    Auburn University is renowned for its vibrant campus life, centered around its strong athletic programs, particularly football, and a wide array of student organizations and traditions. UTEP offers a more diverse range of extracurricular activities, reflecting its diverse student body and location. Both universities provide opportunities for students to get involved in clubs, organizations, and community service.

  • What are the career services and job placement rates like at UTEP and Auburn?

    Both universities provide career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. Auburn University, with its strong alumni network and reputation, often has robust career services, particularly for students in business and engineering. UTEP's career services are also effective, with a focus on connecting students with opportunities in the Southwest and beyond. Job placement rates vary by program and industry, so it's best to research specific departments.

  • How does the athletic program compare between UTEP and Auburn?

    Auburn University is a powerhouse in collegiate athletics, particularly in football, with a long history of success and a passionate fan base. UTEP also has athletic programs, competing in various sports, but the scale and prominence of the athletic program are generally smaller compared to Auburn. Both universities offer opportunities for students to participate in and support athletic events.

  • What are the housing options like at UTEP and Auburn?

    Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. Auburn University has a variety of residence halls and apartments, often with a strong sense of community. UTEP also provides on-campus housing, including residence halls and apartments, with options to suit different preferences and budgets. Off-campus housing is also available near both universities.

  • Which university is better for me, UTEP or Auburn?

    The 'better' university depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you're looking for a diverse environment, a more affordable education, and a unique cultural experience, UTEP might be a good fit. If you're seeking a traditional Southern college experience with a strong emphasis on athletics and a well-established alumni network, Auburn University could be a better choice. Consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, and financial situation when making your decision.

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