AUBURN UNIVERSITY

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Auburn University has developed into one of the largest universities in the South, remaining in the educational forefront with its traditional blend of arts and applied science and changing with the needs of today while living with a respect for the traditions and spirit that are Auburn.

AUBURN HISTORY

Chartered in 1856, Auburn University opened in 1859 and has had four official names. The university started out as the East Alabama Male College, a Methodist institution. Classes were first held for 80 students with a faculty of six in 1859 at the East Alabama Male College, a Methodist institution. In 1872, the college became a state-owned, land-grant institution and was renamed the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama, changing from a private liberal arts school to a state-supported college with emphasis on new scientific and agricultural programs. As expansion continued, the Alabama Legislature decided in 1899 that a new name was needed to reflect the institution’s growth, and the college became the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. As Charles Thach, the university’s sixth president, stated, “The Alabama Polytechnic Institute, a high sounding phrase, is fit for legal documents and grave legislation, but not to conjure with and not to yell and not to dream with as is fair.” The Legislature agreed, and in 1960 the Alabama Polytechnic Institute became Auburn University.

FACTS AND FIGURES

  • Founded: Auburn University was established in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, 20 years after the city of Auburn's founding. In 1872, under the Morrill Act, the school became the first land-grant college in the South and was renamed the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama. In 1899 the name again was changed, to the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. Finally, in 1960 the name of the school was changed to Auburn University, a title more in keeping with its location, and expressing the varied academic programs and larger curriculum of a major university.

  • Location: Auburn, Alabama

  • Size: 200 academic buildings, 402 total buildings, 2,081 acres

  • Enrollment, 2023-2024 Academic Year

    Total: 33,015
    Undergraduate: 26,874
    Graduate: 5,136
    Professional: 1,005
    Male: 49%
    Female: 51%

  • Employees

    Total employees: 12,335
    Faculty: 1,435

  • Faculty Profile

    Faculty with terminal degrees: 78%
    Minority faculty: 412
    Student/faculty ratio: 20:1

  • Schools and Colleges

    • College of Agriculture

    • College of Architecture, Design & Construction

    • Raymond J. Harbert College of Business

    • College of Education

    • Samuel Ginn College of Engineering

    • College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment

    • Graduate School

    • College of Human Sciences

    • College of Liberal Arts

    • College of Nursing

    • James Harrison College of Pharmacy

    • College of Sciences and Mathematics

    • College of Veterinary Medicine

    • University College

    • Honors College

  • Majors: There are more than 150 majors from which students can choose.

  • Student Activities: Auburn students have more than 600 clubs and organizations to choose from.

  • School Mascot: For more than 30 years, mischievous and lovable tiger Aubie has represented the university at events ranging from football games to grand openings and everything in between. Aubie is an 11-time UCA National Mascot Champion. Read more about Aubie's history, accomplishments and more.

  • International Presence: Auburn University is committed to preparing our students for today's global economy. The Office of International Programs site provides information on the international presence of Auburn University including International Student/Scholar immigration advising, study abroad options, information on initiatives sponsored by the academic units, faculty resources for internationalizing Auburn University, and information on international partners and agreements. With over 2,000 international students, more than 1,900 AU students studying abroad and a truly global faculty, AU provides its students and community with access to a world of opportunity.

  • Study Abroad: More than 1,500 Auburn students study abroad each year. Information about our study abroad programs and how to begin your study abroad experience is available.

  • Auburn's athletic teams compete in the Southeastern Conference. Find out more about the Tigers by visiting the Auburn Tigers Web site.

  • Alumni: Since opening its doors in 1856, Auburn University has awarded more than 327,000 academic degrees. Our Alumni Association is one of the strongest in the SEC with more than 36,000 life members