Samford University campus
Samford University logo

Samford University

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale Suburb: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system 4-1-4
Student body size Medium
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 2,375
Religious affiliation Baptist
Student to faculty ratio 12 to 1
Acceptance rate 84%
Students retention rate 89%
On-time graduation rate 79%

Located in Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university operates on a 4-1-4 calendar system, allowing students to engage in intensive study during the two shorter terms. This unique academic structure provides students with the opportunity to explore specialized areas of interest or complete internships, enhancing their overall educational experience.

The acceptance rate of 84% indicates that Samford is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

Samford University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1, Samford emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

Samford boasts an impressive student retention rate of 89% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 73% and 74%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

83.9%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$35,360

Cost of attendance at Samford University in 2022 for students from Alabama.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Alabama's average $10,612
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$35,360

Cost of attendance at Samford University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Alabama's average $22,133
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 99 of freshman students at Samford University received on average $19,443 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$19,443
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 99 10% $4,938 $488,848
Other Federal Grant 99 10% $5,887 $582,848
State Grant/Scholarships 179 18% $1,398 $250,318
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 958 99% $18,614 $17,832,360
Total Grant & Scholarships 960 99% $19,443 $18,665,526

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Samford University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Samford University students is 78.9%. Female students graduated at a rate of 81.6%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 74.0%.

78.9%

  • asian 90.0% 9 students
  • African American 66.7% 34 students
  • white 81.3% 567 students
  • unknown 69.2% 9 students
  • hispanic 45.4% 10 students
  • International Students 55.6% 5 students
  • Mixed Race 72.7% 16 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Southern Conference
  • Baseball Southern Conference
  • Basketball Southern Conference
  • Track and Cross Country Southern Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Samford University provides the following additional services to its students
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Samford University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic
  • Occupational
  • Postbaccalaureate Recreational or avocational education

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Weekend/evening classes
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)