Campus Identity
Samford University is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Birmingham, AL. Approximately 4,206 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 82% acceptance rate. Lay Lake is about 23 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 71/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Samford University is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Birmingham, AL. Approximately 4,206 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 82% acceptance rate. Lay Lake is about 23 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 71/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Samford University is a 5,000–9,999, suburban school with NCAA D1 athletics. The campus is 101 miles from Cloudmont Ski.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Southern
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Suburban setting
Weather
Warm Climate
59°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Samford University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Cloudmont Ski, 101 miles away. All are within 242 miles of campus.
Alabama
Tennessee
North Carolina
Nearby Lake
Lay Lake is 23 miles from campus, giving Samford University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lay Lake
Lake access within 22.6 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Birmingham, AL
Birmingham has a mild climate, with winters averaging 45°F in Jan and summers peaking around 82°F in Jul.
Station: BIRMINGHAM Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Samford University in AL earns a composite safety score of 71/100, rated Pretty Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $40,150 |
| Fees | $950 |
| Room & Board | $13,056 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $54,156 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
115 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Samford University located?
Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL. The main campus address is 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Samford University?
Samford University has an acceptance rate of 82%, making it accessible. Out of 4,559 applicants, 3,755 were admitted in the most recent year. 4,206 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Samford University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Samford University scored between 22 and 28 on the ACT, with a median of 25. About 66% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Samford University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Samford University charges $40,150/year in tuition. Including room and board ($13,056/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $35,360/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $32,622/year — what students actually pay. Use Samford University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Samford University?
The undergraduate application fee at Samford University is $40. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Samford University have college sports?
Yes — Samford University competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Southern. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is Samford University the right fit for me?
Whether Samford University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (82% admit rate), avg net price ($32,622/year after aid), campus culture in Birmingham, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Samford University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Samford University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Birmingham, AL
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Southern
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 59°F avg
- App Fee
- $40
- On Campus Safety Score
- 71/100
- Nearest Airport
- Birmingham, AL (BHM) · 7 mialso TCL (50 mi), ANB (55 mi)
Location
Birmingham, AL