Auburn University

Auburn University is a public research university located in Auburn, Alabama, United States.

It is part of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) athletic and academic network and is known for its programmes in engineering, aviation, business, and agriculture. Auburn holds R1 (very high research activity) classification and enrolls a substantial international graduate population across its colleges.

Institution size

33,000+

Min. CGPA floor

2.75–3.0

Tuition / yr

$20k–30k

Classification

R1 research

Key Facts

Admission Requirements for Low CGPA and Backlog Applicants

• Published minimum graduate CGPA: approximately 2.75 to 3.0, varying by college and department
• Requirement is treated as a floor for consideration rather than a guaranteed admission threshold
• Graduate School reviews applications holistically alongside statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and English proficiency scores where applicable
• Individual departments retain discretion over final admission decisions once the floor is met
• Applicants should confirm department-specific requirements directly with the relevant graduate coordinator, since standards vary meaningfully by college

Tuition and Fees

Figures vary by programme and college. Confirm current rates directly on Auburn’s official Graduate School fee schedule before budgeting.

Popular Programmes for International Applicants

• Mechanical, Civil, and Aerospace Engineering
• Computer Science and Software Engineering
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Agricultural and Applied Economics

Degree Levels Offered

• Diploma / Certificate: Offered
• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): Offered
• Postgraduate (Master’s / MSc / MA): Offered
• Doctorate (PhD): Offered
• Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Offered
• Short Courses: Offered

Application Process

1. Confirm the specific CGPA requirement for the target department directly with the graduate coordinator
2. Complete required English proficiency testing (IELTS or TOEFL) if applicable to the programme
3. Submit transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and a resume or CV
4. Apply through Auburn’s Graduate School online application portal and pay the application fee
5. Await departmental review, which may take longer than an automated cutoff-based system
6. Receive Form I-20 upon admission and deposit payment, to begin the F-1 visa process

Admission Outlook

Auburn’s graduate CGPA floor sits within reach for students with an average or backlogged transcript, though competitiveness varies significantly by department. Engineering and business programmes tend to draw a more competitive applicant pool than the university-wide floor suggests, while less oversubscribed departments offer a more realistic path for borderline applicants.

Campus Life

Auburn is a mid-sized college town in eastern Alabama, offering a lower cost of living than most major US university cities. The setting provides limited access to large-city international student infrastructure compared to metro-based universities, a factor applicants should weigh against Auburn’s academic and brand advantages.

International students generally have access to a dedicated international student office, orientation programming, and student clubs and societies. Housing options typically include on-campus or university-affiliated accommodation alongside private rental options; applicants should apply for housing as early as possible after accepting an offer, since availability varies by intake and city.

Other Essential Information

Official Resources

• University homepage: auburn.edu
• Graduate admissions: grad.auburn.edu

Compare Auburn against other accessible universities on our Find a Course page, or contact us for help evaluating your eligibility.