Samford University vs. Arcadia

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Arcadia based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 3,404 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Arcadia University is in Glenside, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Arcadia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Arcadia University 10:1.

Samford University vs. Arcadia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Arcadia? 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 Arcadia University than Samford University ($30,037 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 24% lower than at Arcadia University ($13,056 vs. $17,180).
• Arcadia University is 23.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Samford University (about $9,460 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.6% higher at Arcadia than at Samford University (about $9,460 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Arcadia University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arcadia University students is 54% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($34,705 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Arcadia Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arcadia University (1170) is 10 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Arcadia University 1065/1265.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Arcadia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Arcadia (3.42).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Arcadia (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 7.4% at Arcadia.

Samford University vs. Arcadia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Arcadia? 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 Arcadia University's (62%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $11,000 more per year than Arcadia graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Arcadia graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arcadia graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arcadia 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.