Samford University vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

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

Kennesaw State University is larger than Samford University based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 6,097 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

Samford University vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or KSU? 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 Kennesaw State University than Samford University ($15,636 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 1.7% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($13,056 vs. $13,287).
• Samford University is 591.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $34,342 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.4% higher at Samford University than at Kennesaw State University (about $22,414 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Kennesaw State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 174% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($22,530 vs. $8,223).

Samford University vs. KSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University or KSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between KSU and Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 50 points higher than at KSU (1110).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 22 at KSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Samford University 1070/1250; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Samford University 22/28; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Samford University students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at KSU (3.33).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 38% at KSU.

Samford University vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and KSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Samford University's six-year graduation rate is 70%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for KSU.
• Graduates from Samford University have median earnings of about $57,400 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for KSU.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $1,300 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($21,200 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($219 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KSU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 53%)

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.