Samford University vs. Lipscomb

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Lipscomb based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 5,017 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Samford University vs. Lipscomb Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Lipscomb? 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 Lipscomb University than Samford University ($27,695 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 15.4% lower than at Lipscomb University ($13,056 vs. $15,424).
• Lipscomb University is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Samford University (about $422 more per year; $40,572.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at Lipscomb than at Samford University (about $422 more per year; $40,572.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Lipscomb University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lipscomb University students is 27.1% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($28,645 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Lipscomb Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lipscomb University (1270) is 110 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Lipscomb 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; Lipscomb University 1160/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Lipscomb University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Lipscomb - 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 Lipscomb (3.73).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Lipscomb (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 24.9% at Lipscomb.

Samford University vs. Lipscomb Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Lipscomb? 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 Lipscomb University's (63%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than Lipscomb graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lipscomb University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Lipscomb graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($211 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lipscomb students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 68%)

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.