Samford University vs. ASU

Comparable Facts

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

Appalachian State University is larger than Samford University based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Appalachian State University is in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Appalachian State University 16:1.

Samford University vs. ASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or ASU? 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 Appalachian State University than Samford University ($14,978 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 1.4% lower than at Samford University ($12,868 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 429.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $32,571 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.2% higher at Samford University than at Appalachian State University (about $14,938 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Appalachian State University (100% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 181.1% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($22,530 vs. $8,014).

Samford University vs. ASU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 40 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at ASU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Appalachian State University 1120/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Appalachian State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; ASU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Samford University (3.84).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 18.2% at ASU.

Samford University vs. ASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and ASU? 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 Appalachian State University's (65%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $15,800 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($211 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ASU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 74%)

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.