Samford University vs. Belhaven University

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Belhaven University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 4,213 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Belhaven University is in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Belhaven University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Belhaven University 12:1.

Samford University vs. Belhaven University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Belhaven 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 Belhaven University than Samford University ($16,299 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Belhaven University are 24.9% lower than at Samford University ($9,800 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 32.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Belhaven University (about $9,900 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $30,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.7% higher at Samford University than at Belhaven University (about $9,900 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $30,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Belhaven University (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Belhaven University students is 4.9% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($23,625 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Belhaven University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 10 points higher than at Belhaven University (1150).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Belhaven University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Belhaven University 1010/1298.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Belhaven University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Belhaven University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Belhaven University (3.5).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Belhaven University (49.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 18.5% at Belhaven University.

Samford University vs. Belhaven University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Belhaven 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 Belhaven University's (48%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $16,500 more per year than Belhaven University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $40,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $5,902 lower median loan debt than Belhaven University graduates ($22,500 vs. $28,402).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Belhaven University graduates ($232 vs. $293).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Belhaven University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 47%)

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.