Samford University

7/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Birmingham, AL
0 reviews

#1 Best Private Colleges in Alabama

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

6,097

Location Birmingham, Alabama
Website samford.edu
Type Private 4 Year
Setting Large Suburban
Religious Affiliation Baptist

Best Colleges Rank

#247

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Located in the suburban community of Homewood, approximately five miles south of downtown Birmingham, Alabama, Samford University occupies a 247-acre Georgian-Colonial campus nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Founded in 1841 as Howard College, Samford is Alabama's largest private university and maintains historical ties to the Alabama Baptist State Convention. The university comprises ten academic schools, with particular strengths in nursing, pharmacy, law, and business, while maintaining a core liberal arts curriculum. Samford operates as a residential campus where most undergraduate students live in university housing during their first three years. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I athletics as members of the Southern Conference, with notable programs in basketball and track and field.

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Ratings

Samford University is rated within the top 33% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10.

Overall Rating

7 out of 10
Academics

6 out of 10
Resources

7 out of 10
Outcomes

8 out of 10
Value

6 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Samford University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Average

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1070/1250
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 22/28
GPA 3.84

Acceptance Rate

82.4%

Applications Due May 1, 2027
Enrollment Rate 28.9%
Application Fee $40

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$40,150

Costs for Samford University
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$40,150
Books and Supplies		$1,200
Other Fees		$1,150
Room and Board		$13,056
Budget for Other Expenses		$5,335
Total One Year Cost		$60,891

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$57,400 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

70% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Samford University are Business, Health Professions, and Education. 20% of students major in Business, 14% in Health Professions, and 11% in Education.