Samford University vs. Southern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samford University is larger than Southern Adventist University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 3,229 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Southern Adventist University is in Collegedale, TN (Large Suburban setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Southern Adventist University 19:1.

Samford University vs. Southern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Southern Adventist University? 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 Southern Adventist University than Samford University ($25,753 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Adventist University are 31.8% lower than at Samford University ($8,900 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 47.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Adventist University (about $12,850 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.1% higher at Samford University than at Southern Adventist University (about $12,850 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Southern Adventist University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 74.6% larger than aid received by Southern Adventist University students ($22,530 vs. $12,904).

Samford University vs. Southern Adventist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is the same as at Southern Adventist University (1160).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Southern Adventist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Southern Adventist University 1020/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Southern Adventist University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Southern Adventist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Southern Adventist University (3.59).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Southern Adventist University (65.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 36.9% at Southern Adventist University.

Samford University vs. Southern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Southern Adventist University? 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 Southern Adventist University's (51%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $12,800 more per year than Southern Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Southern Adventist University graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Adventist University graduates ($232 vs. $274).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 63%)

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.