Samford University vs. Harding University

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Harding University is in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Harding University 13:1.

Samford University vs. Harding University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Harding 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 Harding University than Samford University ($22,806 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 30.6% lower than at Samford University ($9,060 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 52.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $13,888 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.9% higher at Samford University than at Harding University (about $13,888 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 34.4% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($22,530 vs. $16,763).

Samford University vs. Harding University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 10 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Harding University 1050/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Harding University 20/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Harding University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Harding University (3.71).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 44.6% at Harding University.

Samford University vs. Harding University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Harding 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 Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 71%)

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.