Jacksonville State University vs. Samford University

Comparable Facts

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

Jacksonville State University is larger than Samford University based on total student enrollment (9,955 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Jacksonville State University is located in Jacksonville, AL (Small Suburban setting); Samford University is in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting).
• Jacksonville State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Jacksonville State University 19:1; Samford University 14:1.

Jacksonville State University vs. Samford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jacksonville State University 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 Jacksonville State University than Samford University ($14,221 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Jacksonville State University are 27.1% lower than at Samford University ($9,524 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 211.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jacksonville State University (about $27,256 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $12,894.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.1% higher at Samford University than at Jacksonville State University (about $16,816 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $23,334.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Jacksonville State University as at Samford University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 127% larger than aid received by Jacksonville State University students ($22,530 vs. $9,925).

Jacksonville State University vs. Samford University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Jacksonville State University 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 Jacksonville State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 10 points higher than at Jacksonville State University (1150).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Jacksonville State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jacksonville State University 1000/1290; Samford University 1070/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jacksonville State University 17/24; Samford University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jacksonville State University - Test optional; Samford University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Jacksonville State University (3.43).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Jacksonville State University (77.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at Jacksonville State University vs. 28.9% at Samford University.

Jacksonville State University vs. Samford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jacksonville State University 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 Jacksonville State University's (32%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $20,400 more per year than Jacksonville State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Jacksonville State University graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jacksonville State University graduates ($232 vs. $240).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jacksonville State University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 39%)

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.