Samford University vs. Shorter

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Shorter based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 1,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Samford University vs. Shorter Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Shorter? 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 Shorter University than Samford University ($16,821 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shorter University are 24% lower than at Samford University ($9,920 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 63% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shorter (about $15,520 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63% higher at Samford University than at Shorter University (about $15,520 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Shorter University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 19.4% larger than aid received by Shorter University students ($22,530 vs. $18,862).

Samford University vs. Shorter Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 40 points higher than at Shorter (1120).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Shorter).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Shorter University 1040/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Shorter University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Shorter - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; Shorter Aug 25, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.59 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Shorter (3.25).
• Shorter has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 33.5% at Shorter.

Samford University vs. Shorter Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Shorter? 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 Shorter University's (47%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than Shorter graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $49,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $5,918 lower median loan debt than Shorter graduates ($22,500 vs. $28,418).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shorter graduates ($232 vs. $293).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shorter students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 38%)

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.