Samford University vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with The University of the South in Sewanee, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samford University is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Samford University vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Sewanee? 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 The University of the South than Samford University ($34,815 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 18.5% lower than at The University of the South ($13,056 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 39.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Samford University (about $15,970 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.8% higher at Sewanee than at Samford University (about $15,970 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at The University of the South (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of the South students is 65% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($37,171 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 170 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 25 at Samford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Samford University vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The University of the South's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Samford University's (70%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Sewanee graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($19,000 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($196 vs. $232).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Samford University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 77%)

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.