Samford vs Lipscomb University

Samford University and Lipscomb University, both esteemed private institutions in the heart of the South, offer distinct educational experiences. Samford, nestled in the vibrant city of Birmingham, Alabama, boasts a lower acceptance rate and a higher graduation rate compared to Lipscomb. Lipscomb, located in the bustling metropolis of Nashville, Tennessee, attracts a more diverse student body and offers a wider range of undergraduate programs, including popular majors like nursing and business. While both universities provide a strong academic foundation, their unique characteristics may appeal to different types of students. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover which university better aligns with your aspirations and goals.
Lipscomb University logo

Lipscomb University

Samford University logo

Samford University

Overview

Location Nashville, Tennessee Birmingham, Alabama
Campus setting City: Large Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester 4-1-4
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 85.0% 89.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Churches of Christ Baptist

Admission

Acceptance rate 74.0% 83.9%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $40

Graduate: $35
SAT range 1100 - 1270 1100 - 1290
ACT range 22 - 29 23 - 29
Students submitting SAT score 18.0% 22.0%
Students submitting ACT score 65.0% 66.0%
Total number of applicants 3,422 4,217
Total number of admissions given out 2,532 3,537
Admitted students who chose to enroll 663 920
Yield rate 26.2% 26.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $53,252 $53,100
Average net price $26,614 $31,871
Tuition $33,012 $34,410
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $7,816

Meal plan: $6,160
Room/dormitory: $6,150

Meal plan: $5,110
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

99.0%
Average amount $24,624
99.0%
Average amount $19,443
Students receiving federal student loan 35.0%
Average amount $5,142
31.0%
Average amount $5,320
Students taking out private loans 5.0%
Average amount $17,590
6.0%
Average amount $19,317

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 2,952
Men 39.3% Women 60.7%
3,607
Men 33.4% Women 66.6%
Graduate students 1,826
Men 29.0% Women 71.0%
2,151
Men 32.3% Women 67.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students N/A 73.0%
International students 2.5% 0.8%
Campus local/setting City: Large Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 1,630 2,375
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Alabama Georgia Tennessee Texas Florida

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Legal Profession
  • Business
  • Education
  • Family and Consumer Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 14:1 12:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 71.3% 78.9%
Dropout rate 28.1% 20.9%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,230
  • Year 2: $119,716
  • Year 3: $125,699
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,830
  • Year 2: $79,473
  • Year 3: $83,140
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,863
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $74,926
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,789
  • Year 2: $54,697
  • Year 3: $63,289
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,514
  • Year 2: $58,221
  • Year 3: $60,483
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,065
  • Year 2: $55,512
  • Year 3: $56,306
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,287
  • Year 2: $53,080
  • Year 3: $53,583
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $46,305
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $50,821
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,522
  • Year 2: $42,235
  • Year 3: $50,008
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $35,450
  • Year 2: $42,682
  • Year 3: $48,652
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,542
  • Year 2: $120,880
  • Year 3: $122,995
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $97,811
  • Year 2: $99,380
  • Year 3: $104,909
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,528
  • Year 2: $91,363
  • Year 3: $88,884
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,304
  • Year 2: $52,941
  • Year 3: $67,171
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,217
  • Year 2: $59,124
  • Year 3: $64,364
Law (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,785
  • Year 2: $48,667
  • Year 3: $61,547
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,967
  • Year 2: $54,851
  • Year 3: $57,875
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,355
  • Year 2: $54,948
  • Year 3: $54,480
Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,947
  • Year 2: $39,585
  • Year 3: $46,442
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,337
  • Year 2: $43,638
  • Year 3: $46,369

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary religious affiliations of Samford University and Lipscomb University?

    Samford University is affiliated with the Baptist tradition, while Lipscomb University is affiliated with the Churches of Christ. This influences the campus culture, values, and potentially, the required coursework related to religious studies.

  • How do the academic programs at Samford and Lipscomb compare?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Samford is known for its strong programs in pharmacy, law, and health sciences, as well as a robust liberal arts curriculum. Lipscomb excels in programs like engineering, education, and business. The specific program offerings and strengths should be considered based on your academic interests.

  • What is the typical campus environment like at Samford and Lipscomb?

    Samford University is known for its traditional, residential campus with a focus on a close-knit community. Lipscomb University also offers a strong sense of community, but it has a more urban campus setting. Both universities emphasize student involvement and offer numerous extracurricular activities.

  • How do the tuition and financial aid packages differ between Samford and Lipscomb?

    Tuition costs and financial aid opportunities vary between the two universities. It's recommended to check the most current tuition rates and financial aid information on each university's website. Both universities offer scholarships and financial aid to help make education accessible.

  • What are the student-to-faculty ratios at Samford and Lipscomb?

    Both universities generally boast favorable student-to-faculty ratios, which contribute to a more personalized learning experience. These ratios allow for more individual attention from professors and a greater opportunity for student-faculty interaction. Check the most recent data on each university's website for the most accurate figures.

  • How do the campus locations and surrounding areas compare?

    Samford University is located in a suburban area of Birmingham, Alabama, offering a blend of campus life and access to the city. Lipscomb University is situated in Nashville, Tennessee, providing students with access to a vibrant city environment with opportunities in music, healthcare, and business.

  • What are the athletic programs like at Samford and Lipscomb?

    Samford University competes in NCAA Division I athletics, primarily in the Southern Conference. Lipscomb University also competes in NCAA Division I athletics, primarily in the ASUN Conference. Both universities offer a variety of sports, providing opportunities for student athletes and fans.

  • How do the campus housing options differ?

    Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. Samford typically has a more traditional residential college experience, while Lipscomb offers a variety of housing options, including apartments and suites, reflecting its urban setting. The specific housing options and availability should be reviewed on each university's website.

  • What is the overall campus culture like at Samford and Lipscomb?

    Both universities foster a strong sense of community, but the specific campus culture can vary. Samford often emphasizes a more traditional college experience with a focus on faith and service. Lipscomb also values faith and service, but its culture is influenced by its location in Nashville and its diverse student body. Visiting both campuses or connecting with current students is a great way to get a feel for the culture.

  • How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

    Both Samford and Lipscomb offer career services to assist students with career planning, resume writing, and job placement. They also provide internship opportunities to gain practical experience. The specific resources and the network of employers may vary, so it's beneficial to explore the career services websites of each university.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Heritage Christian University Heritage Christian University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Harding University Harding University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Lynn University Lynn University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Saint Leo University Saint Leo University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Southeastern University Southeastern University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs The University of Tampa The University of Tampa
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Valparaiso University Valparaiso University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Xavier University of Louisiana Xavier University of Louisiana
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Calvin University Calvin University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Belhaven University Belhaven University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Blue Mountain College Blue Mountain College
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Delta State University Delta State University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Fontbonne University Fontbonne University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Campbell University Campbell University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Guilford College Guilford College
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Lenoir-Rhyne University Lenoir-Rhyne University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs The University of Findlay The University of Findlay
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Oklahoma Christian University Oklahoma Christian University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Waynesburg University Waynesburg University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Wilkes University Wilkes University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Baptist Health Sciences University Baptist Health Sciences University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Belmont University Belmont University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Bryan College-Dayton Bryan College-Dayton
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Carson-Newman University Carson-Newman University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Cumberland University Cumberland University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs East Tennessee State University East Tennessee State University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Lincoln Memorial University Lincoln Memorial University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Rhodes College Rhodes College
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Southern Adventist University Southern Adventist University
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs University of Dallas University of Dallas
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs University of Mary Hardin-Baylor University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs University of Charleston University of Charleston
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs Whitworth University-Adult Degree Programs Whitworth University-Adult Degree Programs
Lipscomb University Lipscomb University vs DeVry University-Tennessee DeVry University-Tennessee
Samford University Samford vs Azusa Pacific University Azusa Pacific University
Samford University Samford vs The Baptist College of Florida The Baptist College of Florida
Samford University Samford vs Lynn University Lynn University
Samford University Samford vs University of Miami University of Miami
Samford University Samford vs Palm Beach Atlantic University Palm Beach Atlantic University
Samford University Samford vs The University of Tampa The University of Tampa
Samford University Samford vs Covenant College Covenant College
Samford University Samford vs Mercer University Mercer University
Samford University Samford vs Northwestern University Northwestern University
Samford University Samford vs Xavier University of Louisiana Xavier University of Louisiana
Samford University Samford vs Harvard University Harvard University
Samford University Samford vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Samford University Samford vs Calvin University Calvin University
Samford University Samford vs Mississippi College Mississippi College
Samford University Samford vs William Carey University William Carey University
Samford University Samford vs Dartmouth College Dartmouth College
Samford University Samford vs Cornell University Cornell University
Samford University Samford vs Saint John Fisher College Saint John Fisher College
Samford University Samford vs Campbell University Campbell University
Samford University Samford vs Ohio Northern University Ohio Northern University
Samford University Samford vs Brown University Brown University
Samford University Samford vs Bob Jones University Bob Jones University
Samford University Samford vs Carson-Newman University Carson-Newman University
Samford University Samford vs Lipscomb University Lipscomb University
Samford University Samford vs Lincoln Memorial University Lincoln Memorial University
Samford University Samford vs Union University Union University
Samford University Samford vs Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt University
Samford University Samford vs Abilene Christian University Abilene Christian University
Samford University Samford vs Seattle Pacific University Seattle Pacific University
Samford University Samford vs University of Charleston University of Charleston
Samford University Samford vs Stanford University Stanford University