UA Huntsville vs. Samford University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Alabama in Huntsville is larger than Samford University based on total student enrollment (8,564 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Alabama in Huntsville is located in Huntsville, AL (Midsize City setting); Samford University is in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Alabama in Huntsville 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 in Huntsville 17:1; Samford University 14:1.

UA Huntsville vs. Samford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UA Huntsville 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 in Huntsville than Samford University ($19,396 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Alabama in Huntsville are 4.8% lower than at Samford University ($12,428 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 230.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than UA Huntsville (about $28,018 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $12,132.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52% higher at Samford University than at University of Alabama in Huntsville (about $13,742 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $26,408.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at University of Alabama in Huntsville (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 143.1% larger than aid received by University of Alabama in Huntsville students ($22,530 vs. $9,268).

UA Huntsville vs. Samford University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UA Huntsville 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 UA Huntsville.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Alabama in Huntsville (1310) is 150 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming UA Huntsville 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: University of Alabama in Huntsville 1210/1410; Samford University 1070/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alabama in Huntsville 24/31; Samford University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UA Huntsville - Test optional; Samford University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at UA Huntsville (3.81).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than UA Huntsville (68.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at UA Huntsville vs. 28.9% at Samford University.

UA Huntsville vs. Samford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UA Huntsville 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 in Huntsville's (45%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than UA Huntsville graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $50,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than UA Huntsville graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UA Huntsville graduates ($232 vs. $242).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UA Huntsville students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 55%)

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.