Parent here of a graduating HS. Sr that has been accepted to AU and now waiting on GT admissions in early January.
I wish there was, but there is no way to compare apples 2 apples between GT and AU.
My DS dilemma is the same as @engineering2020…stay in GA, use the Free Hope/Zell $$ and get a great in-state/Top 5 engineering education, but all the while potentially overly consumed with academics (95/5), thus leading to a stressful 4+ years, or attending a school like AU and having more to the college experience that may be more in lines of 70/30 academic vs social/sports/friends, etc.
Don’t get me wrong, even as an AU grad, it’s hard to express a reasonable opinion…we either come across as A) an AU homer for promoting the Auburn college experience, good engineering program, life, etc or the B) penny-pinching parent on how to save $$ by staying in GA and going to Ga Tech because of reputation, career prospects and the free tuition. This is why it is extremely difficult to discuss with DS - to not overly recommend.
I hope all future engineering students weigh all options when applying to their respected schools.
If any 1st/2nd year students can elaborate on what made them choose AU or GT over the others (Clemson/UGA/LSU, etc,) your thoughts and defining criteria would be extremely helpful.