Auburn University

Auburn, AL · founded 1856 · 32,000 students · public research university · SEC

Known for: A major public land-grant research university celebrated for its strong sense of family and community ('Auburn Family'), top-ranked programs in engineering and business, and intense football rivalry with the University of Alabama.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #133
QS World: #801
Times Higher Education: #601
Forbes: #198

Top programmes

Engineering
Business
Architecture
Veterinary Medicine
Agriculture
Pharmacy

Notable alumni

Tim Cook — CEO of Apple Inc.
Charles Barkley — NBA Hall of Famer, sports analyst
Jimmy Buffett — Singer-songwriter, businessman
Kathryn Thornton — NASA astronaut
Bo Jackson — Heisman Trophy winner, dual-sport professional athlete
Octavia Spencer — Academy Award-winning actress
Jim Voss — NASA astronaut
John Heisman — Legendary football coach, namesake of the Heisman Trophy

Traditions

Toomer's Corner rolling after victories
Tiger Walk before football games
War Eagle battle cry and eagle flight
A-Day spring football game

If Auburn University were…

As a food: Momma Goldberg's Deli chicken salad sandwich — Unpretentious, deeply satisfying, and a local institution that everyone who goes here swears by. It's not trying to be fancy—just reliably excellent comfort food that feels like family.
As an athlete: Bo Jackson — Multi-talented, humble despite being legendary, and forever synonymous with Auburn excellence. Both represent the ideal of being great at what you do while staying grounded and approachable.
As a person alive today: Tim Cook — Auburn's most famous living alum—methodical, engineering-minded, steady leadership style, and proof that you don't need Ivy League pedigree to run the world's most valuable company. War Eagle.
As a historical figure: George Washington Carver — Taught at Tuskegee Institute just down the road, embodied practical innovation and agricultural science—values Auburn was literally founded on. Both represent applied knowledge that improves lives, not just theory.
As a movie or TV show: The Andy Griffith Show — Wholesome, community-focused, where everyone knows your name and values run deep. It's not flashy or edgy, but there's genuine warmth and a sense that people look out for each other.
As a US president: Jimmy Carter — Southern, engineering background, earnest and hardworking rather than flashy, and deeply principled. Both are underestimated by outsiders but respected for their integrity and work ethic.
As a city: Portland, Oregon — Mid-sized, outdoorsy, engineering-and-tech-focused, with a tight-knit community vibe and fierce local pride. It's not the biggest or flashiest, but people who live there think it's the best-kept secret.
As an element: Iron — Fundamental, strong, essential to building things that last, and literally what engineers work with. Auburn's engineering roots and blue-collar work ethic mirror iron's role as the backbone of civilization.
As a car: 2015 Ford F-150 King Ranch — Auburn's engineering prowess meets Southern hospitality in this capable, family-friendly workhorse that's equally comfortable at a tailgate or a construction site. War Eagle alumni appreciate reliability, power, and a tr

Campus life

Known for a tight-knit, family-like atmosphere with strong school spirit. Campus life balances rigorous academics with active student organizations, a significant Greek presence, and major events centered around football and traditions.