Samford University vs. Elmhurst University

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Elmhurst University is in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Elmhurst University 15:1.

Samford University vs. Elmhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst University than Samford University ($24,629 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 10.1% lower than at Elmhurst University ($13,056 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Samford University (about $2,805 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7% higher at Elmhurst University than at Samford University (about $2,805 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Elmhurst University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 33.5% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($30,079 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Elmhurst University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 30 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Elmhurst University 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; Elmhurst University 990/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Elmhurst University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Elmhurst University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Elmhurst University (3.59).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 12.5% at Elmhurst University.

Samford University vs. Elmhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Elmhurst 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).

• The graduation rate at Samford University is the same as at Elmhurst University (70% vs. 70%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Elmhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $50,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($222 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 72%)

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.