Samford University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Birmingham, Alabama with 4,206 undergraduates. It admits 82% of applicants, costs an average of $32,950 a year after grants and graduates 78% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Samford University acceptance rate and admissions
Samford University admitted 82% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 550 to 640, math 520 to 610). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Samford University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early action | Nov 1, 2026 (passed) |
| Rolling admission | Applications reviewed as they arrive |
Application fee through the Common App: $50 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Samford University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Samford University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $41,910 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $14,260 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $59,741 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $32,950 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $32,950 a year after grants and scholarships, $26,791 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Samford University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Samford University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 78% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $66,982 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $19,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 29% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Samford University majors and what graduates earn
Samford University awarded bachelor's degrees in 54 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from pharmacy ($119,888).
All 54 majors at Samford University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Samford University
26 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 26 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | Professional doctorate | 153 | n/a | n/a |
| Pharmacy | Professional doctorate | 102 | n/a | n/a |
| Nursing | Professional doctorate | 78 | n/a | n/a |
| Business administration | Master's | 48 | $57,475 | $45,864 |
| Divinity and ministry | Master's | 39 | $42,369 | $36,459 |
| Nursing | Master's | 38 | $142,364 | $90,709 |
| Physical and occupational therapy | Professional doctorate | 36 | n/a | n/a |
| Education leadership | Doctoral | 35 | $104,830 | $90,440 |
| Allied health (PA, radiography, therapy and more) | Master's | 35 | $103,982 | $133,736 |
| Speech-language pathology | Master's | 29 | $66,851 | $74,750 |
| Social work | Master's | 24 | $48,511 | $41,000 |
| Public health | Master's | 21 | $61,233 | n/a |
| Accounting | Master's | 18 | n/a | n/a |
| Education leadership | Master's | 15 | n/a | n/a |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | Master's | 12 | n/a | n/a |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies | Master's | 12 | $100,585 | n/a |
| Public health | Professional doctorate | 11 | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 10 | $50,249 | n/a |
| Music | Master's | 8 | n/a | n/a |
| Health administration | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Environmental science | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Special education | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Divinity and ministry | Professional doctorate | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Religious Music and Worship | Master's | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 4,206 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 65% women, 35% men
- 14 students for every faculty member
- Setting: large suburb
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Samford University?
Samford University admitted 82% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Samford University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $41,910. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $32,950 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Samford University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 550 to 640 in reading and writing and 520 to 610 in math, and 22 to 28 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Samford University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Samford University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Samford University?
78% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Samford University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $66,982 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Alabama · colleges in Birmingham · Samford University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.