Auburn vs. Samford University

Comparable Facts

Compare Auburn University in Auburn, AL with Samford University in Birmingham, AL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Auburn University is larger than Samford University based on total student enrollment (34,145 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Auburn University is located in Auburn, AL (Small City setting); Samford University is in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting).
• Auburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Auburn University 21:1; Samford University 14:1.

Auburn vs. Samford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Auburn or Samford University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Auburn University than Samford University ($25,242 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 21.5% lower than at Auburn University ($13,056 vs. $16,626).
• Samford University is 211.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Auburn (about $27,260 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $12,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15% higher at Samford University than at Auburn University (about $5,228 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $34,922.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Auburn University (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 107.2% larger than aid received by Auburn University students ($22,530 vs. $10,872).

Auburn vs. Samford University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Auburn or Samford University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Samford University and Auburn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Auburn University (1330) is 170 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Auburn students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Samford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 1260/1390; Samford University 1070/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 26/31; Samford University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Auburn - Required; Samford University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Auburn Feb 1, 2027; Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Auburn students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Samford University (3.84).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Auburn (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Auburn vs. 28.9% at Samford University.

Auburn vs. Samford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Auburn and Samford University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Samford University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Auburn University's (66%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Auburn graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Auburn University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Auburn graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($222 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Auburn students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.