Alabama vs. Samford University

Comparable Facts

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

The University of Alabama is larger than Samford University based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Alabama vs. Samford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama or Samford 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 The University of Alabama than Samford University ($22,559 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 13.1% lower than at The University of Alabama ($13,056 vs. $15,016).
• Samford University is 229.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $27,970 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.5% higher at Samford University than at The University of Alabama (about $5,978 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $34,172.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at The University of Alabama (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 28.7% larger than aid received by The University of Alabama students ($22,530 vs. $17,503).

Alabama vs. Samford University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 130 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Alabama students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Samford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Samford University 1070/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; Samford University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Samford University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Alabama (3.76).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Alabama (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 28.9% at Samford University.

Alabama vs. Samford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama and Samford 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 The University of Alabama's (66%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($232 vs. $245).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 59%)

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.