Samford University vs. William Carey University

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samford University is larger than William Carey University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 5,321 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Samford University vs. William Carey University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or William Carey 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 William Carey University than Samford University ($15,469 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Carey University are 38% lower than at Samford University ($8,094 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 159.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than William Carey University (about $24,670 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $15,480.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 159.4% higher at Samford University than at William Carey University (about $24,670 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $15,480.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at William Carey University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 54.1% larger than aid received by William Carey University students ($22,530 vs. $14,621).

Samford University vs. William Carey University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at William Carey University (1170) is 10 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at William Carey University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; William Carey University 1040/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; William Carey University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; William Carey University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at William Carey University (3.46).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than William Carey University (60.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 48.3% at William Carey University.

Samford University vs. William Carey University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and William Carey 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 William Carey University's (51%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $16,500 more per year than William Carey University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $40,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Carey University graduates have a $2,308 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($20,192 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, William Carey University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($208 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former William Carey University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 47%)

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.