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Samford University

Birmingham, AL·Private nonprofit·3,828 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $59,800 within 10 years; strong 80% graduation rate.

82%
Accept
3,828
Students
$30,795
Net Price
80%
Grad Rate
$59,800
Earnings
10 yr
$15,750
Debt

About This School

Samford University is a private nonprofit institution located in Birmingham, Alabama with approximately 3,828 undergraduate students enrolled. Samford University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 82%. The average net price after financial aid is $30,795 per year. The graduation rate is 80%, and the typical graduate earns $59,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

Samford University is a private Christian university in Homewood, Alabama, United States. Homewood is an inner-suburb of Birmingham. Samford was founded by Baptists in 1841 as Howard College and located until 1887 in Marion, Alabama. It is governed by an independent board of trustees, which requires board members to be Baptists.

This is a strong option for students seeking a smaller, faith-based university experience in Birmingham, where an 80% graduation rate and a $15,750 median debt at graduation suggest students are finishing and not drowning in loans. The $59,800 median earnings at 10 years is solid rather than standout, so it's worth thinking carefully about your intended major and career path before committing to the $30,795 annual net price. The 82% acceptance rate means admission isn't highly selective, which is fine, but motivated students should push for merit aid to make the value case even stronger.

Founded
1841
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions34%
Business & Marketing20%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Communications6%
Education5%
Social Sciences3%
Biological Sciences3%
Psychology3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Tony HaleMary AndersonDoug JonesR. G. ArmstrongGail PatrickJermaine SeoposenweJim Folsom

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1203
Reading 75th %ile650
Math 75th %ile610

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$38,144
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,144
Avg Net Price
$30,795
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants11%
Median debt at graduation$15,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
80%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
88%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$59,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$45,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$59,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.8x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White86%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,828 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Samford University

800 Lakeshore Drive

Birmingham, AL 35229-2240

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Alabama

Browse all Alabama schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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