Overview
Samford University is a accessible private four-year institution in Birmingham, Alabama. The school accepts 83.3% of applicants and enrolls 3,828 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 83.3%
- Average SAT
- 1,175
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,080–1,270
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 26
- Total Enrollment
- 3,828
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Samford University uses a rolling admissions process, so you can submit your application any time after it opens in August, but applying earlier gives you better access to housing and financial aid. Submit your Common Application along with your high school transcript, one letter of recommendation, and either SAT or ACT scores.
The nursing program requires a separate application process and maintains much higher admission standards than the university overall. You'll need to complete prerequisite courses and meet specific GPA requirements before applying to the nursing school during your sophomore year. Pre-pharmacy students also face competitive admission to continue in the program after completing foundational coursework.
Housing fills up quickly since most students live on campus all four years. Submit your housing deposit as soon as you're admitted to secure your preferred residence hall. The university requires all unmarried students under 21 to live on campus unless they live with family locally.
Samford operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar with a January interim term where you can take intensive courses, study abroad, or complete internships. Plan for this unique structure when considering your course load and graduation timeline.
Financial aid packages typically include merit scholarships based on your academic credentials, and the school offers additional scholarships for specific majors and leadership activities. Complete the FAFSA early to maximize your aid package since some funds are distributed on a first-come basis.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $30,795/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $38,144
- Students Receiving Aid
- 11%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 79.9%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,469/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 87.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Samford University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Samford University is test-optional, meaning SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission. Students may choose to submit test scores if they believe the scores will strengthen their application.
What is the application deadline for Samford University?
Samford University has rolling admissions with a priority deadline of March 1 for fall admission. Applications received after the priority deadline are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does Samford University offer early decision or early action?
Samford University offers early action with a December 15 deadline. Early action is non-binding and students receive admission decisions by January 15.
How many credits can transfer students bring to Samford University?
Transfer students must complete at least 32 credit hours at Samford University to earn a degree. The university accepts up to 96 transfer credit hours from four-year institutions and up to 64 hours from two-year colleges.