University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Samford University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Alabama at Birmingham is larger than Samford University based on total student enrollment (20,905 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Samford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Alabama at Birmingham 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 University of Alabama at Birmingham than Samford University ($17,997 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 7.9% lower than at University of Alabama at Birmingham ($13,056 vs. $14,170).
• Samford University is 341.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Alabama at Birmingham (about $31,052 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $9,098.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78% higher at Samford University than at University of Alabama at Birmingham (about $17,588 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $22,562.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at University of Alabama at Birmingham (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 104.4% larger than aid received by University of Alabama at Birmingham students ($22,530 vs. $11,025).

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Samford University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Alabama at Birmingham 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 University of Alabama at Birmingham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Alabama at Birmingham (1330) is 170 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming University of Alabama at Birmingham students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Samford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alabama at Birmingham 1210/1450; Samford University 1070/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alabama at Birmingham 23/30; Samford University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Alabama at Birmingham - Test optional; Samford University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Alabama at Birmingham Jun 1, 2027; Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at University of Alabama at Birmingham (3.82).
• University of Alabama at Birmingham has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. 28.9% at Samford University.

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Samford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Alabama at Birmingham 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 University of Alabama at Birmingham's (45%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $11,000 more per year than University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($222 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Alabama at Birmingham students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 52%)

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.