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Colleges / Samford University

Samford University

Birmingham, AL 4-Year Private
Acceptance Rate83%

About Samford University

Samford University Overview

Samford University is a private, religious school in a suburban setting in Birmingham, Alabama. Samford University was founded in 1841 and now enrolls around 5,729 students a year, including 3,576 undergrads. Samford University provides housing for up to 2,375 students. The majority of students live on campus.

There are many ways for students to get involved at Samford University! Love music or performing? Join a campus band, sing in a chorus, or perform with one of Samford University's theater groups.

Interested in journalism or communications? Samford University students can write for the campus newspaperor be a producer for the student-run television channel.

Thinking of pledging? Samford University has fraternities and sororities.

Planning to play sports? Samford University has many options for athletes. See them all and learn more about life at Samford University on the Student Life page.

Learn more about life at Samford University on the Student Life page.

Mark your calendar! May 1, 2022 is the final deadline to submit an application for Fall. Regular decision applicants for Fall 2022 should find out if they got admitted by November 1.

2021 Samford University Facts At-A-Glance
Academic Calendar 4-1-4 (2 long terms separated by a month-long mini-term)
Overall Acceptance Rate 84%
Early Decision Acceptance Rate ED not offered
Early Action Acceptance Rate EA not offered
Average GPA 3.8
Applicants Submitting SAT scores 37%
Tuition $34,410
Percent of Need Met 77%
Average First-Year Financial Aid Package $23,055

Is Samford University a Good School?

The definition of a "good school" is different for different people. Admissions difficulty and admitted student statistics can give you a sense of how selective a college is, but they don't tell you how happy or successful students are. However, there are a few good ways to get a better sense how satisfied students are and how well a school supports its student body.

Let's take a closer look at all of these areas to get a better idea of what Samford University offers and if it sounds like a good fit for you.

2021 Acceptance Rate for Samford University

It is moderately difficult to get into Samford University. Around 84% of applicants get into Samford University each year. Last year, 3,867 students applied to Samford University and 3,248 were admitted.

Retention and Graduation Rates at Samford University

Retention is the number of students that stay enrolled at a school over time. This is a way to get a sense of how satisfied students are with their school experience, and if they have the support necessary to succeed in college.

Out of all the first-year, full-time undergrads who start at Samford University, around 87% come back the next year. Around 77% of students who started at Samford University earn their Bachelor's degrees within six years. The average six-year graduation rate for U.S. colleges and universities is 61% for public schools, and 67% for private, non-profit schools.

Job Outlook Samford University Graduates

Job placement statistics for recent graduates can give you a sense of the return on investment a school offers. Within six months of graduating, 57% of graduates receive at least one full-time job offer.

Check with Samford University directly, for information on any information on starting salaries for recent grads.

Samford University's Endowment

An endowment is the total value of a school's investments, donations, and assets. Endowment is not necessarily an indicator of the quality of a school, but it can give you a sense of how much money a college can afford to invest in expanding programs, improving facilities, and support students. As of 2021, the total market value of the school endowment was $287.6 million. The average college endowment was $905 million in 2021. The school spends $15,372 for each full-time student enrolled.

Tuition and Financial Aid at Samford University

Cost is another important factor when choose a college. Some colleges may have high tuition, but do a better job at meeting students' financial need. Samford University meets 77% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates. The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is around $23,055 a year.

Students in the class of 2021 who had taken out student loans graduated with an average of $29,762 of debt. For context, compare this number with the average national debt, which is around $36,000 per borrower.

The 2022-2023 FAFSA Opened on October 1st, 2021

Some aid is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so fill out the FAFSA as soon as you can. Visit the FAFSA website to apply for student aid. Remember, the first F in FAFSA stands for FREE! You should never have to pay to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), so don't give your money (or info!) to any website that claim you do.

Learn more about Tuition and Financial Aid at Samford University. Based on this information, how does Samford University sound? Remember, the best school for one person may be a terrible fit for someone else! So ask yourself: Is Samford University a good school for you?

If Samford University seems like a school you want to apply to, click the heart button to save it to your college list.

Still Looking for Schools?

Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.

Admissions

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

Samford University Community Forums

Then use the college admissions predictor to take a data science look at your chances of getting admitted to some of the most popular schools in the U.S.

Where is Samford University?

Samford University is located in the suburban setting of Birmingham, Alabama.

If you want to see Samford University for yourself, plan a visit. The best way to reach campus is to take Interstate 65 to Birmingham, or book a flight to the nearest airport, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International.

You can also take a virtual campus tour to get a sense of what Samford University and Birmingham are like without leaving home.

Considering Colleges in Alabama?

See a full list of colleges in Alabama and save your favorites to your college list.

College Info

800 Lakeshore Drive Birmingham, AL 35229

Campus Setting: Suburban

Samford University Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

May 1

Transfer Applications are Due

Continuous processing

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Samford University is May 1.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Samford University is Continuous processing.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

Samford University SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

1090 - 1265

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Math SAT Range

530 - 620

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Reading SAT Range

550 - 650

Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

SAT Score

Estimated Chance

1265 and Above

Good

1090 to 1265

Avg

1090 and Less

Low

SAT Scores Needed to Get Accepted

The median SAT score for Samford University students is 1160. Applicants with SAT scores of 1265 and above have a good chance of being admitted to Samford University, while applicants with SAT scores between 1090 to 1265 have an average chance of admittance, and prospective students with an SAT score below 1090 have a low chance of being offered a spot at Samford University.

Samford University Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees

$50,304

In State

$50,304

Out-of-State
Cost Breakdown
In State
Out-of-State
State Tuition
$37,144
$37,144
Fees
$1,000
$1,000
Housing
$12,160
$12,160
Books
Unknown
Unknown

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Student Life

Wondering what life at Samford University is like? There are approximately 5,683 students enrolled at Samford University, including 3,672 undergraduate students and 2,011 graduate students. 98% percent of students attend school full-time, 28% percent are from AL and 72% percent of students are from other states.

98%

Full Time

2%

Part Time

28%

In State

72%

Out-of-State

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

5,683

Campus Setting

Suburban

Acceptance Rate

83%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$38,144

Out-of-State

$38,144

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

May 1
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