Overview of Samford University

Samford University is a private Christian institution situated in Birmingham; Samford is the largest private institution in Alabama. Samford offers 177 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations. The institution has a 12-to-1 student/faculty ratio and a mean class size of 18. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations. The Samford University Bulldogs play in the NCAA Division I Southern Conference.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 5,619 (3,535 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 33 percent male/67 percent female
• 98 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $32,850
• Books: $1,000
• Room and Board: $10,980
• Other Expenses: $4,804
• Total Cost: $49,634

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 98 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 97 percent
  • Loans: 38 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $8,448
  • Loans: $17,922

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Health Professions and Related Programs; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 90 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 64 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 76 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, Tennis, Track and Field
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

Overview of Samford University Admissions

Samford University, which accepts over three-quarters of applicants, has a moderately competitive admissions pool. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. This institution has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. Applicants must complete an online application. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices. Students should make a campus visit to determine if the institution is a good fit for them.

Admissions Data                        

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, Samford University had an acceptance rate of 82%. For every 100 students who submitted applications, 82 students gained admission, making Samford’s admissions process moderately competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 34% of students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of Samford’s students score within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. 50% of students admitted to Samford scored between 552 and 650 on the evidence-based reading and writing part, while 25% scored under 552 and 25% scored over 650. 50% of students scored between 520 and 620 on the math part, while 25% scored under 520, and 25% scored over 620. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1270 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Samford.

ACT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 86% of students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of Samford’s students score within the top 31% nationally on the ACT. The median 50% of students admitted to Samford received a cumulative ACT score between 23 and 29, while 25% scored over 29, and 25% scored under 23.

GPA

In 2019, the mean GPA for Samford University’s freshmen class was 3.68, and over 59% of students had a mean GPA of 3.75 and over. Successful applicants to Samford University have A grades primarily.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Samford University, it should be easy for you to gain admission to the schools below. If Samford University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

Washington State University, University of Texas at San Antonio, East Carolina University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, Texas State University, Georgia State University

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Samford University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

University of Oregon, University of Alabama, Colorado State University, Quinnipiac University, Ohio University, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Samford University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

Syracuse University, United States Military Academy, Penn State University Park, University of Cincinnati, Hofstra University, Temple University, Seton Hall University

Applying to Samford University

Application Deadline: April 30

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://www.samford.edu/admission/

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://www.samford.edu/admission/apply#requirements-for-all-students

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://www.samford.edu/admission/graduate/

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://www.samford.edu/admission/apply#requirements-for-all-students