Samford University
Birmingham, Alabama 35229-2240
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
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
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1203
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
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
71.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.7%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,750
Programs (118)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
88%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from AL state average + suburban adjustment