According to The Princeton Review’s recently released 2025 rankings, Auburn University is home to the happiest students in the nation.

The ranking was based on data from surveys of 168,000 students from 390 schools across the nation. The survey, which contained 89 questions, asked students about their life at their university, their academic experience, their fellow students and themselves.

The Harbert College of Business interviewed several students to find out what makes them happy.

Parker Murray, junior in supply chain management, finds happiness through the welcoming, kind environment found at Auburn University.

As a member of the Auburn University Marching Band, Murray is no stranger to the Auburn spirit. When it comes to his experience as a student, the welcoming nature of Auburn University carries over from game days to Harbert College.

“I love the culture and atmosphere of being here,” Murray said. “Being in the college of business, it feels like home.”

Murray was a student at the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering for a year and a half before joining Harbert College. After making this switch, Murray joined the team at the Office of Professional and Career Development as a career ambassador.

The resources that the college of business offers to its students makes the college unique and enhances his experience as a student, Murray said.

“I feel like I get a lot more preparation for my time after college,” Murray said. “I like the college of business because they’re worried about your ‘after school’ from the beginning.”

Lauryn Fetherston, junior in business administration, finds happiness through the beauty of Auburn University’s campus. Not only does the design and upkeep of campus encourage Fetherston’s positive experience as a student, but the sense of support from faculty does as well.

“I feel very cared for here, by Auburn,” Fetherston said. “They want me to succeed.”

Harbert College shows that it cares by equipping students with the tools to succeed both while students and after graduation, Fetherston said.

As a peer instructor at the OPCD, Fetherston actively assists other undergraduate students in the college’s professional development courses.

“I feel like the college of business really tries to get you through efficiently,” Fetherston said. “They have classes built to help you in picking your major and building your resume, and then ethical leadership—the full track.”

Elijah Graham, junior in accounting, experiences happiness through the “family connection” felt at Auburn University.

“You truly feel connected to Auburn in a way that feels almost like they’re relatives to you,” Graham said.

Prior to joining Harbert College, Graham was briefly a pre-vet major in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. Like Murray, Graham became a career ambassador at the OPCD after joining the college of business.

“When I ended up switching to college of business, it just felt more natural for me,” Graham said, noting that the friendliness of his advisors and position at the OPCD helped him feel more like a member of the Auburn Family.

Although happiness is subjective, students, alumni and fans alike agree—Auburn University brings joy unlike no other.

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