Samford University vs. Kentucky

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than Samford University based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); University of Kentucky is in Lexington, KY (Large City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; University of Kentucky 18:1.

Samford University vs. Kentucky Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Kentucky? 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 University of Kentucky than Samford University ($21,958 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 18.5% lower than at University of Kentucky ($13,056 vs. $16,016).
• Samford University is 197.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $26,648 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.6% higher at Samford University than at University of Kentucky (about $6,010 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at University of Kentucky (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 74.7% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($22,530 vs. $12,898).

Samford University vs. Kentucky Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 20 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; University of Kentucky 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; University of Kentucky 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Kentucky - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 22.2% at Kentucky.

Samford University vs. Kentucky Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Kentucky? 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 University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Kentucky graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Kentucky graduates ($22,500 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kentucky graduates ($232 vs. $235).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 62%)

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.