Acceptance Rate
82%
Avg. SAT
1250
75th percentile
“Faith-infused liberal arts in Birmingham with powerhouse pharmacy and law programs.”
Birmingham, AL
Location
Large Suburb
Campus Setting
Samford University traces its roots to 1841, when it began as Howard College in rural Alabama before relocating to Birmingham in 1957 and taking its current name in honor of a key benefactor. This private Christian institution draws students who value integrating faith with learning, often those from Southern backgrounds seeking a close-knit community where professors know your name and service projects abound. The campus sits in the leafy suburb of Homewood, steps from Birmingham's medical district and revitalized urban core, offering city access without overwhelming density. You'll find a personality that's warm and purposeful, blending academic rigor with spiritual growth. Tradeoffs include a humid Alabama climate that tests your resolve through sticky summers, and while Birmingham buzzes with culture, its traffic can complicate off-campus adventures.
Photo Gallery
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Samford shines in professional fields like pharmacy through its McWhorter School, where students gain hands-on training in a state-of-the-art compounding lab, and law at the Cumberland School, known for practical clinics. Undergrads pursue a liberal arts core laced with Christian perspectives, leading to smaller seminars after large intro biology or history classes that pack lecture halls. Faculty emphasize mentoring over distant research empires, fostering discussions where your views on ethics or policy get real attention. Expect a teaching-focused environment where you build close relationships, though competitive admission to pharmacy or nursing means strong high school sciences are key. Research opportunities exist but skew toward undergrad projects in business or health sciences rather than massive labs.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
4,210 undergrad • 1,887 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
81%
Black / African American
8%
Hispanic / Latino
5%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
5%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Birmingham, AL
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life pulses with Bulldog spirit through Division I soccer and basketball games, where students pack the stands in red and blue. Greek life engages about a third of undergrads, hosting formals and philanthropies, while chapel services and mission trips weave faith into daily rhythms—picture volunteering at Birmingham food banks on weekends. Residential halls mix freshmen with upperclassmen in suite-style setups, easing your transition amid Birmingham's milder social scene compared to rowdier state schools. A typical week blends classes, club meetings like the outdoors group hiking nearby Red Mountain, and Thursday tailgates. The vibe stays welcoming yet structured, with limited late-night bar hopping due to dry policies; hot weather pushes activities indoors during peak summer terms, and housing fills fast for upperclassmen.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Southern Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$22,382
$30K – $48K
$24,416
$48K – $75K
$28,936
$75K – $110K
$30,577
$110K+
$34,207
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
93%
4 Years Graduation Rate
69%
6 Years Graduation Rate
78%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$58,469
93% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Samford University and return in the fall. 69% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 78% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
69%
4-5 years
9%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
21%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$35,750
Acceptance
82%
Undergrads
4,210
4-Year Grad Rate
69%
Endowment
$409M
Birmingham, AL 35229-2240
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