Campus Vibe
Known for health sciences
Samford University is a private institution in Birmingham with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1203, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 3.8K undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
80% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $58,469 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $30,795.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Samford University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1203
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
71.3%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,750
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
27
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (118)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
88%
- •88% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History 19th century In 1841, Samford University was founded as Howard College in Marion, Alabama.
- •The first financial gift, $4,000, was given by Julia Tarrant Barron and both she and her son also gave land to establish the college.
- •The university was established after the Alabama Baptist State Convention decided to build a school for men in Perry County, Alabama.
- •The college's first nine students began studies in January 1842 with a traditional curriculum of language, literature and sciences.
- •In October 1854, a fire destroyed all of the college's property, including its only building.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average