Samford University vs. Louisville

Comparable Facts

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

University of Louisville is larger than Samford University based on total student enrollment (23,065 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Samford University vs. Louisville Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Louisville? 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 Louisville than Samford University ($19,785 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Louisville are 3.7% lower than at Samford University ($12,576 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 205.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Louisville (about $27,014 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $13,136.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.2% higher at Samford University than at University of Louisville (about $10,668 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $29,482.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at University of Louisville (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 53.5% larger than aid received by University of Louisville students ($22,530 vs. $14,677).

Samford University vs. Louisville Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is the same as at Louisville (1160).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Louisville).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; University of Louisville 1040/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; University of Louisville 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Louisville - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; Louisville Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Louisville (3.64).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Louisville (79.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 25.1% at Louisville.

Samford University vs. Louisville Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Louisville? 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 Louisville's (51%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than Louisville graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Louisville graduates have a $2,844 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($19,656 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Louisville graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($203 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Louisville students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 58%)

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.