Samford University vs. SWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samford University is larger than SWU based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 980 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Southern Wesleyan University is in Central, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Southern Wesleyan University 10:1.

Samford University vs. SWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or SWU? 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 Wesleyan University than Samford University ($20,134 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Wesleyan University are 22.4% lower than at Samford University ($10,126 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 34.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than SWU (about $10,350 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $29,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.7% higher at Samford University than at Southern Wesleyan University (about $10,350 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $29,800.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Southern Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 15.6% larger than aid received by Southern Wesleyan University students ($22,530 vs. $19,498).

Samford University vs. SWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University or SWU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SWU and Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 30 points higher than at SWU (1130).
• Incoming Samford University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 25) as students at SWU (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Samford University 1070/1250; Southern Wesleyan University 1040/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Samford University 22/28; Southern Wesleyan University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; SWU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman SWU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Samford University (3.84).
• SWU has a higher acceptance rate (99.5%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 33.4% at SWU.

Samford University vs. SWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and SWU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Samford University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Southern Wesleyan University's (42%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than SWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than SWU graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SWU graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SWU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 50%)

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.