Samford University vs. DBU

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than DBU based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 4,124 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Dallas Baptist University is in Dallas, TX (Large City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dallas Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Dallas Baptist University 16:1.

Samford University vs. DBU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or DBU? 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 Dallas Baptist University than Samford University ($30,057 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dallas Baptist University are 9% lower than at Samford University ($11,876 vs. $13,056).
• Dallas Baptist University is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Samford University (about $40 more per year; $40,190.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at DBU than at Samford University (about $40 more per year; $40,190.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Dallas Baptist University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dallas Baptist University students is 0.8% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($22,711 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. DBU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 70 points higher than at DBU (1090).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at DBU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Dallas Baptist University 960/1213.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Dallas Baptist University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; DBU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at DBU (3.46).
• DBU has a higher acceptance rate (88.8%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 11.2% at DBU.

Samford University vs. DBU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and DBU? 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 Dallas Baptist University's (56%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than DBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dallas Baptist University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($21,750 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, DBU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($224 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DBU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 54%)

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.