Samford University vs. Rust College

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with Rust College in Holly Springs, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samford University is larger than Rust College based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 467 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Rust College is in Holly Springs, MS (Distant Town setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rust College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Rust College 10:1.

Samford University vs. Rust College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Rust 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 Rust College than Samford University ($12,037 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rust College are 52.4% lower than at Samford University ($6,217 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 202.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rust College (about $26,885 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 202.7% higher at Samford University than at Rust College (about $26,885 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Rust College (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 104.9% larger than aid received by Rust College students ($22,530 vs. $10,993).

Samford University vs. Rust College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 270 points higher than at Rust College (890).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 17 at Rust College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Rust College 440/1339.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Rust College 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Rust College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 1.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Rust College (2.66).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Rust College (48.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 6.4% at Rust College.

Samford University vs. Rust College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Rust 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 Rust College's (28%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $32,300 more per year than Rust College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $25,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $5,337 lower median loan debt than Rust College graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,837).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rust College graduates ($232 vs. $287).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rust College students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 21%)

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.