Samford University vs. Covenant College

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samford University is larger than Covenant College based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 1,100 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Covenant College is in Lookout Mountain, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Covenant College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Covenant College 13:1.

Samford University vs. Covenant College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Covenant College? 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 Covenant College than Samford University ($27,926 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Covenant College are 2.3% lower than at Samford University ($12,754 vs. $13,056).
• Covenant College is 4.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Samford University (about $1,890 more per year; $42,040.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at Covenant College than at Samford University (about $1,890 more per year; $42,040.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Covenant College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Covenant College students is 31.9% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($29,720 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Covenant College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Covenant College (1270) is 110 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Covenant College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Samford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Covenant College 1160/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Covenant College 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Covenant College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; Covenant College Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Covenant College (3.7).
• Covenant College has a higher acceptance rate (86.5%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 39.6% at Covenant College.

Samford University vs. Covenant College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Covenant College? 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 Covenant College's (51%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than Covenant College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Covenant College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Covenant College graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($222 vs. $232).
• More Covenant College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Samford University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 77%)

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.