Samford University vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Union University 9:1.

Samford University vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Union 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 Union University than Samford University ($28,452 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 2.1% lower than at Samford University ($12,780 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 0.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union University (about $125 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.3% higher at Samford University than at Union University (about $125 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Union University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 33.7% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($30,120 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 120 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Union University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Samford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Union University (3.8).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Samford University vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Union 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 Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $2,340 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($232 vs. $256).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 66%)

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.