Samford University vs. Lyon College

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Lyon College based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 659 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Lyon College is in Batesville, AR (Remote Town setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lyon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Lyon College 11:1.

Samford University vs. Lyon College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Lyon College? 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 Lyon College than Samford University ($19,872 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lyon College are 17.7% lower than at Samford University ($10,750 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 29.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lyon College (about $9,150 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $31,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.5% higher at Samford University than at Lyon College (about $9,150 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $31,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Lyon College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lyon College students is 11.5% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($25,132 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Lyon College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 40 points higher than at Lyon College (1120).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Lyon College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Lyon College 1050/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Lyon College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Lyon College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.84 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Lyon College (3.0).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Lyon College (62.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 22.5% at Lyon College.

Samford University vs. Lyon College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Lyon College? 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 Lyon College's (50%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than Lyon College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Lyon College graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lyon College graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lyon College 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.