Samford University vs. Abilene Christian University

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Abilene Christian University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 5,219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Abilene Christian University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Abilene Christian University 13:1.

Samford University vs. Abilene Christian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Abilene Christian 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 Abilene Christian University than Samford University ($28,760 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 10.2% lower than at Abilene Christian University ($13,056 vs. $14,540).
• Abilene Christian University is 10.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Samford University (about $4,050 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.1% higher at Abilene Christian University than at Samford University (about $4,050 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Abilene Christian University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Abilene Christian University students is 35.6% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($30,542 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Abilene Christian University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University or Abilene Christian 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 Abilene Christian University and Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Abilene Christian University (1170) is 10 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Samford University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Abilene Christian University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Abilene Christian University 1070/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Abilene Christian University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Abilene Christian University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; Abilene Christian University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Abilene Christian University (3.65).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Abilene Christian University (66%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 12.1% at Abilene Christian University.

Samford University vs. Abilene Christian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Abilene Christian 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 Abilene Christian University's (60%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Abilene Christian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $2,825 lower median loan debt than Abilene Christian University graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,325).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Abilene Christian University graduates ($232 vs. $261).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Abilene Christian University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 69%)

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.