Samford University vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Lee University 13:1.

Samford University vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Lee 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 Lee University than Samford University ($20,416 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 22.6% lower than at Samford University ($10,110 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 68.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $16,360 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.8% higher at Samford University than at Lee University (about $16,360 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Lee University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 45.7% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($22,530 vs. $15,467).

Samford University vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 20 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Lee University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Lee University (3.73).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 35% at Lee University.

Samford University vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Lee 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 Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $20,300 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lee University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 60%)

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.