Samford University: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
Birmingham, Alabama · Private nonprofit · Open access · CDS 2024-2025
Or open Samford University in College Search to compare programs, costs and outcomes side by side.
Samford University is a private nonprofit university in Birmingham, Alabama that admits about 82% of applicants, making it a open access school. The average family pays about $32,622 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration and Marketing, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 0.9 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
Samford University is a private institution located in Birmingham, Alabama. For the most recent reporting cycle, Samford University admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 82%. Admitted students typically post an average SAT of 1201 and an ACT composite around 26. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $32,622 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What GPA does my child need for Samford University?
Samford University has a broadly accessible admissions profile, and most students who complete a standard college-prep curriculum with a 3.0 GPA or higher are competitive for admission.
SAT and ACT scores Samford University typically admits
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 520–610, with an EBRW midpoint near 615. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 22–28. Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.
| 25th percentile | — |
| 50th percentile | 1201 |
| 75th percentile | — |
| 25th percentile | 22 |
| 50th percentile | 26 |
| 75th percentile | 28 |
- • Tests required: Standardized test scores are part of the standard application package.
How much does Samford University actually cost?
Published tuition is $40,150 for in-state students and $40,150 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $13,056 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $32,622 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 11% of students receive Pell Grants.
| Average net price (after aid) | $32,622 |
Application deadlines and early decision data for Samford University
Most popular majors at Samford University
The most popular undergraduate programs at Samford University, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration and Marketing. Across all programs, Samford University confers roughly 485 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing program report a median income of about $71,186 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 122 | $71,186 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | 101 | $139,665 |
| Marketing | 57 | — |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 50 | $85,275 |
| Psychology, General | 40 | — |
| Journalism | 39 | $49,222 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | 38 | $49,750 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | 38 | — |
Is Samford University safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), Samford University disclosed 4 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 0.9 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 1 violent offenses and 2 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
Other colleges in Alabama parents ask about
Colleges that admit at a similar rate
Next steps for Samford University
Common questions parents ask about Samford University
What GPA do I need for Samford University?
Samford University has a broadly accessible admissions profile, and most students who complete a standard college-prep curriculum with a 3.0 GPA or higher are competitive for admission.
What SAT or ACT score does Samford University typically admit?
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 520–610, with an EBRW midpoint near 615. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 22–28.
How much does Samford University actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Samford University after grants and scholarships is $32,622 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $40,150. Budget against the net figure.
Is Samford University realistic for my child?
Samford University admits 82% of applicants, so 520–610 SAT Math is target range and below 520 is a reach. Then check the $32,622 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at Samford University?
Samford University accepts about 82% of applicants. It admits the majority of qualified applicants.
Is Samford University test-optional?
No. Samford University requires SAT or ACT scores as part of a standard application.
Is Samford University a public or private school, and where is it located?
Samford University is a private nonprofit institution located in Birmingham, Alabama.
What are the most popular majors at Samford University?
The largest undergraduate majors at Samford University by annual graduates are Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration and Marketing. The school awards about 485 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is Samford University safe? What is its campus crime rate?
Samford University reported 4 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 0.9 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
Sources: the 2024-2025 Common Data Set submitted by Samford University, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers