Samford University vs. SBTS

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samford University is larger than SBTS based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 4,298 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is in Louisville, Kentucky (Large City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 16:1.

Samford University vs. SBTS Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or SBTS? 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 Southern Baptist Theological Seminary than Samford University ($21,081 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary are 35.2% lower than at Samford University ($8,466 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 263.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than SBTS (about $29,104 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $11,046.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 263.5% higher at Samford University than at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (about $29,104 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $11,046.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 1,296.8% larger than aid received by The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary students ($22,530 vs. $1,613).

Samford University vs. SBTS Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 40 points higher than at SBTS (1120).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 23 at SBTS).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Samford University 1070/1250; The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Samford University 22/28; The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; SBTS - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; SBTS Jul 15, 2027.
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than SBTS (55.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 55.9% at SBTS.

Samford University vs. SBTS Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and SBTS? 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 is 70%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for SBTS.
• Graduates from Samford University have median earnings of about $57,400 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for SBTS.

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.