Samford University vs. University of South Alabama

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Alabama is larger than Samford University based on total student enrollment (14,003 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); University of South Alabama is in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; University of South Alabama 19:1.

Samford University vs. University of South Alabama Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or University of South Alabama? 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 South Alabama than Samford University ($16,074 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Alabama are 12.9% lower than at Samford University ($11,366 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 296.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Alabama (about $30,034 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $10,116.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.3% higher at Samford University than at University of South Alabama (about $21,058 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $19,092.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at University of South Alabama (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 141.5% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($22,530 vs. $9,329).

Samford University vs. University of South Alabama Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University or University of South Alabama? 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 University of South Alabama and Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 80 points higher than at University of South Alabama (1080).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at University of South Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; University of South Alabama 970/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; University of South Alabama 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; University of South Alabama - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at University of South Alabama (3.69).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than University of South Alabama (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 21% at University of South Alabama.

Samford University vs. University of South Alabama Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and University of South Alabama? 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 South Alabama's (39%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than University of South Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than University of South Alabama graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Alabama graduates ($232 vs. $253).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 45%)

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.