Samford University vs. AU

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 4,710 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Samford University vs. AU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or AU? 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 Anderson University than Samford University ($24,434 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Anderson University are 2.6% lower than at Samford University ($12,720 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 14.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $5,180 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $34,970.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.8% higher at Samford University than at Anderson University (about $5,180 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $34,970.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Anderson University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 15.3% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($25,969 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. AU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University or AU? 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 AU and Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1190) is 30 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Samford University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at AU (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Anderson University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Anderson University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; AU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at AU (3.72).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than AU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 32.5% at AU.

Samford University vs. AU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and AU? 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 Anderson University's (48%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $19,900 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $37,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $4,362 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,862).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($232 vs. $277).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 60%)

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.