Samford University
About Samford University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Samford University is a private Christian university in Birmingham, Alabama. It is the largest privately funded university in Alabama and offers programs in pharmacy, nursing, law, business, and divinity.
Founded
1841
Location
Birmingham, Alabama
Students
6,093
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
82.4%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
77%
Near national average
Tuition
$40,150
Per year
Avg Net Price
$32,622
After financial aid
SAT Average
1201
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$58,469
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Rolling
Samford University accepts the majority of applicants at 82.4%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1201/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
77% complete their degree within six years
Retention
92.9%
4-Year Grad
68%
6-Year Grad
79%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
99%
$/Student
$16.0K
Class Size
Medium
68% of students graduate on time, and 99% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$40,150
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,056
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$57,456
After Financial Aid
$32,622
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$22,716
Receive Grants
11.1%
Take Loans
26.9%
The total cost of attendance runs about $57,456/yr, including $13,056 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $32,622.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Samford University fund their education.
While in School
11.1%
Get Grants
Free money
26.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$87,745
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$207/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 26.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Samford University.
Gender
65.1%
Female
35%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,206
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,887
Graduates
13.8%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
1.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 65% of the student body.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
4,206
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
4-1-4 calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Samford University fields 9 varsity teams with 503 student athletes, about 12% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Southern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
503
12% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
61% / 39%
306
Men
197
Women
6
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Samford Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$58,469
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$64K
105 grads
1yr Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
$120K
66 grads
4yr Earnings
Marketing
$48K
65 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$53K
53 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$45K
41 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
—
41 grads
Graduates earn about $49K six years out, growing to $58K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Samford University
What is the acceptance rate at Samford University?▾
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What is the graduation rate at Samford University?▾
How much do Samford University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.