Struggles At Auburn University: Why So Many Students?

Auburn University is a large public university in Alabama, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 26,874 students as of Fall 2023. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, including more than 500 student organizations and a prominent Greek system with around 6,000 members. However, it is worth noting that only 11% of Auburn students qualify for a federal Pell grant, and the percentage of Black students is disproportionately low compared to the college-age population in Alabama. While Auburn provides various support services and resources for its students, it is not known how many students struggle academically or otherwise.

High tuition fees

Tuition fees at Auburn University are subject to change annually, and for the 2024-25 academic year, the in-state tuition and fees were $12,890, while the out-of-state tuition and fees were $34,922. These costs can be a challenge for students, especially when considering the additional expenses associated with attending college, such as books, course materials, living expenses, transportation, and personal expenses.

To assist students with the financial burden, Auburn University offers a range of financial aid options, including student loans, grants, and scholarships. In fact, 76% of students at Auburn University receive some form of financial aid. The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid, but aid can also come from state governments, colleges, universities, private companies, and nonprofits. Scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and federal student loans are all options available to qualifying students to help cover the cost of tuition and other expenses.

Additionally, Auburn University provides an Estimated Cost of Attendance budget, which helps students budget for items beyond tuition and fees. This budget includes estimates for items such as books, course materials, supplies, living expenses, transportation, and personal expenses. Students can also request an increase in their estimated cost of attendance for specific reasons, such as the purchase of a computer, commuter expenses, or dependent care expenses.

Large class sizes

For lower division undergraduate classes, the minimum class size is 1000-2000 students. This means that a first or second-year student could be in a class with up to 1999 other students. Even for upper-division undergraduate classes, the minimum is 3000, meaning a minimum of 2999 other students could be in the class.

While large class sizes can offer benefits such as diverse perspectives and a broader range of interactions, they may also present challenges for students. Some students may feel less connected to their professors and peers, potentially impacting their motivation and sense of community. Additionally, larger classes may result in less individualized attention from instructors, which could be a concern for students who require more tailored support.

To mitigate these potential challenges, Auburn University may employ strategies such as breaking large classes into smaller discussion groups or offering additional office hours for students to connect with professors. Online course components can also facilitate engagement and provide opportunities for more personalized interactions outside of the large lecture setting.

Overall, while Auburn University's large enrollment numbers contribute to sizeable class sizes, the university likely has measures in place to ensure that students still receive a quality education and feel supported in their academic pursuits.

Limited on-campus housing

Auburn University has limited on-campus housing, and freshmen are not guaranteed a dorm room. First-year students are assigned on-campus living quarters on a first-come, first-served basis due to space constraints. The university offers single rooms in the Quad and Hill, one, two, and three-bedroom suites in the Village, and four-bedroom suites in South Donahue. However, the availability of these options is limited.

The rental rates for on-campus housing at Auburn University vary depending on the residence hall and the number of occupants per room. For example, during the 2024-25 academic year, the Hill Residence Halls offered single occupancy at $4,330 per student per semester, while double occupancy was $3,460. In contrast, the Quad Residence Halls offered single occupancy at $5,020 and double occupancy at $4,080. The Village Residence Halls had different rates depending on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, ranging from $5,300 for a double room to $6,620 for a six-bedroom/six-bath suite.

Due to the limited on-campus housing options, many students at Auburn University may need to explore off-campus housing alternatives. The university's website provides resources for students seeking off-campus accommodations, including information on rentals near campus, such as apartments and houses. These options offer various amenities, such as high-speed internet, outdoor recreation spaces, and proximity to campus shuttle routes.

The competition for on-campus housing at Auburn University highlights the importance of timely applications and the exploration of alternative housing options for students who are unable to secure a place on campus. The university's housing department provides additional resources and support for students navigating the housing process, ensuring they can find suitable accommodations to support their academic journey.

Low African American faculty percentage

Auburn University has a total enrollment of approximately 30,737 students, with 22,458 undergraduates and 3,388 graduate students. The enrolled student population is 78.7% White, 4.91% Black or African American, 4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.82% Asian, 2.75% of people who identify with two or more races, 0.246% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0598% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

The undergraduate student population is made up of 49% women and 51% men. The graduate student population is 59% women and 41% men. The university has a medium faculty racial/ethnic diversity, with a breakdown of faculty demographics unavailable.

In 2022, 8,117 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs at Auburn University. 51.6% of these degrees were awarded to women, and 48.4% were awarded to men. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was White (6,191 degrees), 14.3 times more than the next closest race/ethnicity group, Black or African American (434 degrees).

The university has an overall enrollment yield of 26.5%, representing the number of admitted students who ended up enrolling. The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Auburn University was 93%, higher than its peer institutions.

Low percentage of students receiving Pell grants

Auburn University is a public institution with a large undergraduate enrollment of 26,874 students (as of fall 2023). The university's in-state tuition and fees are $12,890, while out-of-state tuition and fees are significantly higher at $34,922.

Regarding financial aid, only 12% of Auburn undergraduates receive Pell Grants, which are typically awarded to students with significant financial need. This low percentage of Pell Grant recipients suggests that a relatively small proportion of Auburn University students come from low-income backgrounds.

Pell Grants are need-based grants that do not need to be repaid. Students with financial needs who are seeking their first undergraduate degree may be eligible for Pell Grants. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and the amount of aid may vary from year to year.

While the percentage of Pell Grant recipients is not a perfect measure of economic diversity, it is often considered one of the best indicators of the number of low-income undergraduates at an institution. A college may have a large number of students just above the Pell Grant cutoff, which can impact the percentage.

In addition to Pell Grants, Auburn University offers other forms of financial aid, such as federal and state grants, scholarships, and loans. The university's high costs of attendance, especially for out-of-state students, can pose a significant financial burden on students and their families.

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