At $30,795/yr net price, Samford University graduates earn $58,469/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,469/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,795 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $123,180 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,469/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,469/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 79.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,891/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,253/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,995/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,769/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,894/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $120,880 | $212,943 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $104,192 | $42,973 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $99,380 | $110,952 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $91,363 | $73,798 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,124 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,948 | $25,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $54,851 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $52,941 | $19,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $48,667 | $108,958 |
The Risk Factor
79.9% of students at Samford University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 20% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Samford University delivers solid financial returns for students who choose its strongest professional programs, but weak outcomes for those who don't. The pharmacy program stands out with $120,880 median earnings, though you'll carry $212,943 in debt. Nursing graduates earn over $99,000 annually with manageable debt loads under $43,000, making it the school's best value proposition.
Your program choice determines everything at Samford. Accounting majors earn $59,124, barely above the overall median, while education administration graduates face $73,798 in debt for $91,363 in earnings. Liberal arts and general studies programs show significantly weaker returns, making them financial risks given the $30,795 annual net price.
The low 10.84% of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance, but Samford offers merit scholarships that can substantially reduce costs. Your best strategy involves securing merit aid upfront since the sticker price creates debt burdens that only the top-earning programs justify.
Samford works financially if you're committed to pharmacy, nursing, or education and can access merit scholarships. The Birmingham job market supports healthcare and education careers, giving local graduates an advantage. Skip Samford if you're undecided on major or interested in fields outside its professional strengths. The 79.90% graduation rate means one in five students don't finish, losing their investment entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samford University worth the high tuition cost?
Samford's $30,795 annual net price is steep for median earnings of $58,469 ten years after graduation. The ROI works best for pharmacy and nursing students who earn $100,000+ starting salaries, but other majors may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the highest paying majors at Samford University?
Pharmacy graduates from Samford earn around $120,880 annually, while nursing graduates typically make $99,000-$104,000. These health science programs offer strong ROI that can offset the university's high costs.
How much student debt do Samford University graduates have?
Samford graduates leave with a median debt of $19,500, which is manageable compared to the school's high sticker price. However, this debt load becomes problematic for graduates in lower-paying fields outside of health sciences.
Does Samford University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $30,795 after aid, Samford's financial assistance brings costs down from the full tuition but still leaves families paying significantly more than most state universities. The aid helps but doesn't make the school affordable for most middle-income families.