Institution maintains its reputation among nation's best universities

Following the release of its official census data, Auburn University marked a historic year with record-breaking retention and graduation rates, reinforcing its reputation for student success and highlighting the exceptional programs that continue to position the university as a national leader in higher education.

Auburn achieved a record high first-year student retention rate of 95%, up from 93% in fall 2023, and the institution’s six-year graduation rate increased to 82% from 80%, rates that far exceed the national average. The metrics, reported annually, indicate that more Auburn graduates are entering the workforce and contributing to the university’s economic impact on Alabama. Enhancing student success outcomes, including retention, graduation and job placement rates, has remained a priority for President Christopher B. Roberts.

“We continue to make historic strides in our efforts to educate, retain and graduate students by providing an experience that is second to none,” Roberts said. “While such data are excellent measures of quality, they also reflect the rigorous, robust and relevant learning opportunities that we provide. As we launch our new 10-year strategic plan, we remain focused on offering an exceptional student experience that prioritizes success both in and out of the classroom.”

A key pillar of the university’s strategic plan, the university will continue to increase its investments in fostering an exceptional student experience by broadening its academic offerings, providing comprehensive development and leadership opportunities, expanding career-focused programming and strengthening accessible and affordable pathways such as Auburn First. Now in its sixth year, the university’s dual enrollment program allows high school students to earn university credits beginning their sophomore year, giving them a head start on college requirements. Among fall 2023 first-year students who matriculated to the university through Auburn First, 98% were retained to their sophomore year.

The university’s milestones coincide with the release of recent annual rankings by several news outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report, or USNWR. Published each fall, the outlets highlight various institutional factors such as overall value, enrollment, percentage of faculty, affordability and average student debt, among others – all of which frequently place Auburn as the top institution in Alabama. Last month, The Princeton Review ranked the university No. 1 nationally for happiest students, followed by the Wall Street Journal’s ranking of Auburn as No. 174 in its annual “Best Colleges in the U.S.” edition.

Released this week, USNWR’s 2025 “Best Colleges” edition placed Auburn at No. 51 among public universities and tied at No. 105 among national universities. The annual publication provides essential insights for potential students and their families by analyzing more than 400 higher education institutions. It examines crucial factors like academic excellence, the promotion of social mobility, overall worth and student achievement – areas that directly reflect Auburn’s strategic investments. Among this year’s rankings, Auburn retained its position as the state’s highest ranked institution.

Auburn’s newest USNWR rankings underscore several of the university’s success metrics, with the institution ranked No. 29 nationally in First-Year Experiences, No. 63 in Most Innovative Schools and No. 70 in overall Undergraduate Teaching Programs. Several academic programs maintained top rankings, including the Harbert College of Business’ Supply Chain Management program (No. 16), the College of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (No. 54) and Undergraduate Engineering programs offered by the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering (No. 57). Auburn was again ranked among Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 68), aligning with the university’s continued status as a Military Friendly® school.

“Auburn’s success directly reflects our faculty and staff’s efforts in enhancing the student experience, which remains a source of pride for the entire Auburn Family,” Roberts said. “Our efforts to foster student success and expand opportunities for student achievement consistently demonstrate that our graduates are well-equipped for the workforce in terms of their academic and social readiness.”

The most recent USNWR edition is available online at www.usnews.com/colleges.