Samford University vs. Ogelthorpe

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Ogelthorpe based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 1,425 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Samford University vs. Ogelthorpe Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Ogelthorpe? 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 Oglethorpe University than Samford University ($20,490 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 17.3% lower than at Oglethorpe University ($13,056 vs. $15,780).
• Oglethorpe University is 18.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Samford University (about $7,440 more per year; $47,590.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.5% higher at Ogelthorpe than at Samford University (about $7,440 more per year; $47,590.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Oglethorpe University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oglethorpe University students is 73.3% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($39,054 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Ogelthorpe Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oglethorpe University (1200) is 40 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Ogelthorpe 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; Oglethorpe University 1090/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Oglethorpe University 22/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Ogelthorpe - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; Ogelthorpe Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Ogelthorpe (3.73).
• Ogelthorpe has a higher acceptance rate (88.4%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 17.9% at Ogelthorpe.

Samford University vs. Ogelthorpe Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Ogelthorpe? 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 Oglethorpe University's (48%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Ogelthorpe graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Ogelthorpe graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ogelthorpe graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ogelthorpe 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.