Samford University Admission Requirements

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Samford University Admission Overview

Samford University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year Samford University admitted 82.4% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.84 GPA (A-) and SAT 1070-1250 / ACT 22-28. Samford University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Samford University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

82.4%

Admission Standards

Average

Applicant Competition

Very Low

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for Samford University

Acceptance Rate

The Samford University acceptance rate is 82.4%. Last year, 3,755 of 4,559 applicants were admitted. That is the 17th lowest acceptance rate in Alabama.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Samford University and can you get accepted?

Samford University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Samford University typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.84. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 29% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Samford University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.84

Typical High School Grades

A-

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.84

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at Samford University typically have around a 3.84 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have exceptionally good grades. Samford University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

38% of enrolled freshmen had a 4.0. The school ranks #2 in Alabama for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.8 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled Samford University freshmen
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness
4.0 38.0% Good
3.75 to 3.99 24.0% Avg
3.50 to 3.74 19.0% Reach
3.25 to 3.49 11.0% Reach
3.00 to 3.24 5.0% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 3.0% Low
2.00 to 2.49 0% Low
1.00 to 1.99 0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Samford University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

1070-1250

Freshmen who sent SAT

25%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 550
  • Math 520
  • Composite 1070
SAT 25th percentile scores for Samford University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 640
  • Math 610
  • Composite 1250
SAT 75th percentile scores for Samford University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at Samford University typically score around a 1160 SAT (middle 50% 1070–1250) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 69th percentile nationally. Samford University ranks #6 in the state of Alabama for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1070 to 1250

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

Samford University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1160 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Samford University
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1250+ Above 75th >90%
1160 to 1250 Avg + 82%-90%
1070 to 1160 Avg - 71%-82%
Below 1070 Below mid-50 <71%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Samford University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

22-28

Freshmen reporting ACT

66%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 22
  • Math 19
  • Composite 22
ACT 25th percentile scores for Samford University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 30
  • Math 26
  • Composite 28
ACT 75th percentile scores for Samford University

Average ACT

Incoming testers at Samford University typically have around a 25 ACT (mid-50 22–28) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 78th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Samford University places #5 among colleges in Alabama for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 22 to 28

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to Samford University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 25.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at Samford University
ACT Score (36 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
28+ Above 75th >90%
25 to 28 Avg + 82%-90%
22 to 25 Avg - 71%-82%
Below 22 Below mid-50 <71%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

High School Class Rank

Class Rank of Admitted Students

58% of Samford University freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 29% are in the top ten percent.

High School Class Rank for admitted Samford University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 29%
Top 25% of class 58%
Top 50% of class 82%

Data Source, Peterson's Data

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the Samford University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

Samford University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 2,963 1,596 4,559
Accepted 2,499 1,256 3,755
Acceptance Rate 84% 79% 82%
Enrolled 728 359 1,087
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 29% 29% 29%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Samford University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Samford University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Required to be considered for admission
Demonstration of Competencies Not required for admission, but considered if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due

May 1, 2027

Days left to Apply

243

Applicants have 243 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on May 1, 2027.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Samford University is $40.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Samford University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

Samford University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 82.4% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.84 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1070-1250); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to Samford University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=102049.

GPA calculator: Samford University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026