Samford University vs. Rockhurst

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samford University is larger than Rockhurst based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 3,577 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Rockhurst University is in Kansas City, MO (Large City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rockhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Rockhurst University 12:1.

Samford University vs. Rockhurst Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Rockhurst? 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 Rockhurst University than Samford University ($25,787 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockhurst University are 8.7% lower than at Samford University ($11,920 vs. $13,056).
• Rockhurst University is 12% more expensive for in-state tuition than Samford University (about $4,816 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12% higher at Rockhurst than at Samford University (about $4,816 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Rockhurst University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockhurst University students is 53.4% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($34,562 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Rockhurst Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockhurst University (1180) is 20 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Rockhurst).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Rockhurst University 1116/1246.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Rockhurst University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Rockhurst - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; Rockhurst Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Rockhurst (3.62).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Rockhurst (69.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 19.2% at Rockhurst.

Samford University vs. Rockhurst Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Rockhurst? 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).

• Rockhurst University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Samford University's (70%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Rockhurst graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockhurst University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Rockhurst 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 Rockhurst students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 74%)

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.