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Samford University is a private, not-for-profit university with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1841 as Howard College. It’s now classified as a doctoral/professional university, offering a wide range of programs in business and management, education, health professions, legal professions and studies, and many more. With a total enrollment of 5,700+ students, over 3,500 of which are undergraduates, the school still manages to maintain a very low student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, allowing for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.


Overview of Samford University (SU)


The retention and graduation rates of Samford University (SU) are high at 89% and 78%, respectively, and the institution has a reputation for providing excellent student loans support to low-income students. Additionally, with its commitment to Christian values, the university fosters the development of students into well-rounded professionals and impactful individuals that can positively influence their communities. Overall, Samford University is a top-tier institution that provides its students with a nurturing environment to grow and succeed both academically and personally.

General Information


School Type Private not-for-profit
Campus Setting Suburb: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 12:1
Graduation Rate 77%
Year Founded 1841

Student Enrollment


Total Students5,729

Undergraduate
3,576
Graduate
2,153

Undergraduate Student

Male 1,144
1,144
Female 2,432
2,432

Graduate Student

Male 689
689
Female 1,464
1,464

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SU Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS3,867

Male 1,278
Female 2,589

ACCEPTANCE3,248

Male 1,035
Female 2,227

Acceptance Rate84%

Male 81%
Female 86%

Enrollment 974

Male 314
Female 660
Admissions
Application Fee $40
High School GPA Required
High School Rank Recommended
High School Transcripts Considered But Not Required
College Prep Courses Required
Recommendations Required
SAT/ACT Considered But Not Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) NA
Application Deadline May 1
Common Application Accepted Yes

SU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


For the 2022-23 academic year, the tuition costs for students at Samford University sat at around $36,700. Books and supplies were estimated to cost another $1,000 per year, and room and board could be another $11,300 to $14,000, depending on whether you chose to find room and board on-campus or off. Students should also budget for transportation and other costs they might run into throughout the school year. Those who take lab-heavy programs might need to pay lab fees.

Samford offers tuition pre-payment plans and tuition payment plans to help students manage their tuition costs. The pre-payment plan allows families to lock in current tuition and fees and pay the amount in full by June 1. The payment plan allows families to pay their balance in monthly installments instead of one lump sum at the beginning of the semester. Samford University is committed to providing an excellent education to full-time, first-time undergraduate students while being transparent about the associated costs. Financial aid was able to assist 100% of students in a recent year, and the average net price after financial aid was applied was $31,800.

Average net price Current Year
Net Price $31,322
Average Total Aid $18,312
Students Receiving Financial Aid 100%
Room & Board $11,260

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $34,198
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $34,198
  • Books and Supplies - $1,000
  • Room & Board - $11,260
  • Other - $4,856

Popular Academic Programs at SU


Samford University is a private, Christian institution located in Birmingham, Alabama. It is classified as a Doctoral/Professional University with a relatively small student body, allowing for a personalized educational experience. Undergraduates can choose from nearly 100 fields of study including majors in business, education, arts and sciences, health professions, and law. Graduate students can pursue advanced degrees in many of these fields.

Samford University prides itself on engaging, challenging, and supporting students in their academic pursuits. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, students receive individualized attention and mentorship from highly qualified professors. Students can earn a bachelor’s and then continue into a master’s or even a doctorate degree, as well as a number of post-baccalaureate and post-master’s certificates. Samford University is dedicated to preparing graduates who are equipped to excel in the world and make positive contributions to society.

Student Population Total


Student Population 5,729

Undergraduate
3,576
Graduate
2,153
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Health Professions and Related Majors 313 Total Graduates / 34%
Pharmaceutical Sciences 114 Graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 101 Graduates
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General 39 Graduates
Pre-Physical Therapy Studies 19 Graduates
All Business Majors 162 Total Graduates / 17%
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 47 Graduates
Finance, General 43 Graduates
Accounting 23 Graduates
Business Administration and Management, General 22 Graduates
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs 92 Total Graduates / 10%
Journalism 61 Graduates
Speech Communication and Rhetoric 31 Graduates
All Visual and Performing Arts Majors 51 Total Graduates / 5%
Interior Design 15 Graduates
Musical Theatre 10 Graduates
Graphic Design 6 Graduates
Fine/Studio Arts, General 5 Graduates
Music, General 5 Graduates
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences 51 Total Graduates / 5%
Human Development and Family Studies, General 40 Graduates
Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General 11 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 28%

Outcome & Salary


Samford University graduates can expect a competitive edge in the job market with potential starting salaries ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 depending on the field of study. The university prides itself on providing a quality education that prepares students for success in their chosen career paths. While student loans are a reality for many graduates, Samford's average student debt is lower than the national average, with 68% of students graduating with less than $25,000 in debt.

The university boasts an impressive graduation rate of 77% for first-time students and 74% for low-income students. Furthermore, Samford has received numerous notable awards and honors, including being ranked #3 in the Regional Universities South category by US News & World Report. Notable alumni include Tony Hale, an Emmy award-winning actor known for his roles in Arrested Development and Veep; Andrew L. Brasher, a former United States District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama who now serves on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit; Donald Cathy, the executive vice president of Chick-fil-A; and Joyce Chandler, a member of the Georgia House of Representatives.

With undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields, Samford University equips its graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen professions.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $55,200
College Grads Average Salary $65,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $97,300
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $650,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,623,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $125,288
10 Year Projected ROI $524,712
20 Year Projected ROI $1,497,712
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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