Samford University vs. Thomas University

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Thomas University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 1,471 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Thomas University is in Thomasville, GA (Distant Town setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Thomas University 12:1.

Samford University vs. Thomas University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Thomas 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 Thomas University than Samford University ($17,823 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas University are 37.7% lower than at Samford University ($8,140 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 244.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Thomas University (about $28,510 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $11,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 244.9% higher at Samford University than at Thomas University (about $28,510 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $11,640.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Thomas University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 328.7% larger than aid received by Thomas University students ($22,530 vs. $5,256).

Samford University vs. Thomas University Admissions comparison

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

• Thomas University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 50 points higher than at Thomas University (1110).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Thomas University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Thomas University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Thomas University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Thomas University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Thomas University (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 70.7% at Thomas University.

Samford University vs. Thomas University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Thomas 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 Thomas University's (8%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $19,400 more per year than Thomas University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas University graduates have a $1,880 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($20,620 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Thomas University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($213 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Thomas University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 36%)

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.