WhatsApp
Samford University logo

Samford University

N/A(0)
VerifiedPrivate (Not for Profit)Estd. 1841
Founded
1841
Type
Private (Not for Profit)
University Guide

About Samford University

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

Established in 1841, Samford University is a private Christian university located in Birmingham in the Alabama state of USA. This University is one of the oldest universities of Alabama and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). It nurtures around 5,692 students out of which 3,591 students are enrolled under its undergraduate curriculum and 2,101 students under its graduate and professional curriculum. There are students from about 47 states and 28 countries making it a very diverse place to study in the US, offering about 177 UG and 70 graduate majors, minors and concentrations.

University offers more than 200 majors, minors, and concentrations to undergraduates and graduates. Class size is small with an average undergraduate class size of 18. The tuition fee is 34,198 USD, which’s a bit cheaper as compared to the average cost of tuition in the USA

Samford University Rankings

Rankings are based on varying factors such as academics, reputation, teaching and learning experience, student satisfaction, and others. Samford University made it to the rankings of few best ranking agencies, such as US News, and Times Higher Education rankings. 

  • Ranked #1 in Alabama - The Wall Street Journal
  • Ranked #1 in Alabama for Graduation Success Rate(GSR) - NCAA
  • Ranked #183 in the world by Times Higher Education Rankings 2023.
  • Ranked 40th in the nation for best undergraduate teaching - U.S. News & World Report
  • Ranked 2nd in the nation for student engagement - The Wall Street Journal 
  • Ranked 34th private university in the U.S. for value and affordability - Kiplinger’s Personal Finance 
  • Ranked 1st in the nation for Samford’s athletics teams - NCAA
  • Ranked 3rd in the nation for best Christian colleges and Universities - College Consensus
  • Ranked 86th in the nation Best Value Schools - U.S. News & World Report
  • Ranked 143rd in the national universities - U.S. News & World Report
  •  Ranked 19th of 1,674 in Most Conservative colleges in America - Niche 2023

Highlights

Established 1841
Type Private
Campus size 247 acres
Application portal Online
Intake Session Fall/Spring
Mode of program Full time; online
Total no. of Alumni 52,838
Total No. of students 5,692
Student to faculty ratio 13:1
Average undergraduate class size 18
Financial aid Loans and scholarships
Admission helpdesk 205-726-2011
Official Website https://www.samford.edu/

Samford University Campus

  • The university possesses a 247 acres campus and operates through its 10 academic schools
  • The on-campus facilities include fully-furnished classrooms, lecture theatres, Samford hall, Samford bookstore, dining hall, parking lot, food court, information centre, student fitness centre, health services, etc.
  • The university provides many opportunities that maximize student potential and broaden understanding of one’s place in global societies.
  • There are a lot of student engagement activities and student organizations such as music, adventure club, student activities council, etc for enhancing overall development of its students.

Samford University Residence

  • The university provides residence facilities on campus through its four residence halls:
    • Beeson Woods
    • Central Campus
    • West campus
    • West Village
  • All the residence halls provide basic amenities such as fully-furnished rooms, common kitchen laundry facilities, common lounge, study rooms, internet services, vending machines, etc.
  • Moreover, all unmarried undergraduate students under 20 years of age are required to reside in university housing unless they live with their own parents/guardian.
  • Graduate students are not guaranteed university housing and are accommodated on a space-available basis after undergraduates are assigned.
  • The residence halls also provide special accessible accommodation facilities to students with special needs or disabilities, provided they specify their needs.

Samford University Programs

  • Most popular programs at Samford University include in the fields of Business administration, Divinity, Healthcare administration, law, pharmacy, etc.
  • The University offers various undergraduate and a graduate minor, majors and concentrations to its students through its various academic schools:
    • School of the Arts
    • Howard College of Arts and Sciences
    • Brock School of Business
    • Beeson Divinity School
    • Orlean Beeson School of Education
    • School of Health Professions
    • Cumberland School of Law
    • Ida Moffett School of Nursing
    • McWhorter School of Pharmacy
    • School of Public Health
  • It offers 177 major and minor under its undergraduate curriculum with courses in the fields of Management, Biblical studies, healthcare administration, legal studies, economics, etc. being the most popular ones.
  • It also offers various online courses to enable its students to pursue their passion in the fields of nursing, business, legal studies and education conveniently.

Samford University Application process

International students need to keep in mind the following if applying for admission at Samford University. Graduate students have different requirements as per their choice of program.

Application portal: Applicants can apply online

Application Fee: 40 USD (non-refundable)

Document requirements for international applicants:

  • Completed International applicants’ application
  • Official government documentation (passport and visa)
  • Documentation for financial support
    • Bank statement
    • 42,120 USD minimum balance
  • Translated and notarized transcript
    • WES course-by-course evaluation
    • ECE course-by-course evaluation
  • Personal Essay
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Scores of English proficiency test
  • SAT/ACT scores.

Cost of Attendance

Let us look at some of the direct costs which the students will incur during their course of study:

Type of cost Estimated expense in USD
Tuition and fees 34,198
Room and Board 11,120
Total 45,318

Note: Other expenses such as clothing, food, personal expenses, leisure, etc. depend upon the lifestyle and preferences of the individual.

Samford University Financial Aid

  • The university provides various scholarships for international students to study in US.
  • Some scholarships are:
    • Crosland scholarship: Awards 15,000 USD requires a minimum ACT score of 26 or SAT score of 1240 and minimum GPA of 3.5
    • Davis scholarship: Awards 2000 USD requires the maintenance of minimum 2.5 GPA
    • Marion scholarship: Awards 11,000 USD requires minimum high school GPA of 3.0
    • Sherman Oak scholarship: Awards 1000 USD requires the maintenance of minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Graduate students are required to be enrolled for a minimum amount of hours which are specific to their course to avail any kind of financial aid.

Samford University Placement

  • According to PayScale the average Salary for Samford University Graduates is USD 63,945.
  • 97% of undergraduate alumni are working or in further study within six months of graduation. 
  • Samford University has a strong alumni worldwide network of 52,838 members. 
  • University has its Career Development Centre for all students that assist with the search for a job/internship. 
  • The career development center helps the student with CV and interviews.
  • Some companies which recruited the Samford University graduates include:
    • Huge
    • Regions Bank
    • EY (Ernst & Young)
    • Regions Financial Corporation
    • Proassurance Corporation

A glance at Samford University graduates and alumni working as professionals in various sectors along with their average salary/year as per payscale.com can be seen here:

Job Position Average Salary (USD)
Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) 98,000
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 150,000
Operations Manager 65,000
Software Engineer 75,000
Physical Therapist (PT) 64,000
Accounting Manager 79,000

Alumni

The university has a network of over 52,838 alumni representing over 50 states and 100 countries across the globe.There are various benefits and services provided exclusively to the alumni of the University use: Dwight and Lucille Beeson Alumni Centre, a building for alumni’s use, Can join Rotunda club, Access to many alumni groups, Career Development Centre for professional opportunities, Summer program discount for alumni families, Access to the Davis Library.

FAQs

Ques. Is scholarship available for international students at Samford University?

Yes, international students are eligible for scholarships based on merit at Samford University.

Ques. Is there any support for placement by Samford University?

Yes, Samford University supports its students with their job/internship search. It also assists students with resume/cover letters. A lot of companies visit the campus to hire their graduates.

Ques. What are the most popular programs at Samford University?

The most popular programs offered by the university are Health Professions and related programs; Business, Management, Marketing, and related support services; Communication, Journalism, and related programs; Visual and Performing Arts; and Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Science. 

Ques. What is the application fee for international students at Samford University?

The application fee to apply to Samford University is 40 USD. 

Ques. What is the average salary of Samford University graduates?

According to PayScale the average Salary for Samford University Graduates is USD 63,945.

Ques. What programs are offered by Samford University?

It offers undergraduate majors, majors, and concentration; and graduate majors, minors, and concentration; Non-Degree programs; Continuing Education; Online programs and combined-degree programs. Samford University offers 177 undergraduate programs and 70 graduate programs.

Ques. Is Samford University accredited?

Yes, it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Ques. How many students attend Samford University?

More than 5, 729 students comprising 3,576 undergraduates and 2,153 graduates are enrolled in Samford University.

Ques. What is the median starting salary of alumni at Samford University?

According to U.S News and World Reports, the median starting salary of alumni at Samford University is 45,000 USD. 

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

69

Fee from

₹28,19,199.3

Exams

IELTS · TOEFL

Showing 5 of 66 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 38.2 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 40,760 /Yr
Estimated Total₹1442839
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

Samford University offers admission to international students to its 177 undergraduate and 70 graduate programs. Students can apply for admission in the terms of fall, spring and summer. The university attracts students from 47 states and 30 countries across the world.

Samford University observes a lightly selective admission policy with an acceptance rate of 83%. There is no minimum requirement of GPA or SAT/ ACT scores for admission to the undergraduate programs at Samford University. However, the test-optional admission policy solely focuses on the academic achievements of the candidate. Samford University strongly encourages freshmen to submit their essay prompt and academic LOR while applying.

International students require a 35 USD (~2,500 INR) application fee for Samford University. The university comprises 37% graduate students. Graduate applicants are subject to GRE or GMAT waiver with demonstration of GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (~83-86%) or above.

Highlights

Application Portal Common Application or Apply using a printable or online application
Application Fee (non-refundable) Application fee USD 40 (for UG Course)
Application fee -USD 35 (for graduate Course)
Admission intake By deadlines
Minimum SAT Score 344
Mode of Payment Credit/Debit card
Academic Calendar Semester
Intake Seasons Fall/Spring and summer
Work Experience Required in some courses
Acceptance rate 82%
Financial Aid Loans, Grants, and Scholarships available
Email for international students For International Admissions - Drew Maines
[email protected]

Samford University Admission Deadlines

Samford University admission opens once in an academic year for the undergraduate students. However, some graduate programs for international students are offered in spring, fall and summer semesters. The graduate admission deadlines are variable and program specific. The important dates for freshmen admission at Samford University are listed below:

Events Deadlines
Application opens August 1
Admission notification begins November 1
Decision notification May 1

Samford University International Student Admissions

The international students must fulfill additional admission requirements so that they can get shortlisted for their desired course.

How to apply?

Application Portal: The international students can apply only or by using the Common Application or via online application at the official university website
Application fees: USD 40 (for UG courses)
Basic academic requirements: ACT/SAT, Official transcripts. The international students are advised to apply at the earliest so that they can get a seat in the course of their choice. The students’ academic records from the institution they have attended must reach the university within the allotted time period.

  • A completed application
  • Official high school and college transcripts
  • Transcripts evaluated by an authorized agency
  • Letter of recommendation (s) is required
  • Official Transcript Translations
  • ACT, SAT, and/or TOEFL/IELTS score reports sent directly to the university.
  • Verification of financial support
  • Affidavit of Support
  • Copy of passport
  • Essay
  • Letter of recommendations

Optional Requirements: Personal Essay and Letters of Recommendation. All the transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to Samford University.

For any documents or payments that can’t be sent electronically, the international students are advised to send them in one envelope to Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35229-2240, (205) 726-2011.

English Proficiency Test Requirements

International students with a primary language other than English are required to demonstrate competitive english proficiency scores for admission to Samford University. The minimum scores required for admission are listed below:

Tests Required Scores
TOEFL PBT 575
TOEFL iBT 90
IELTS 6.5
SAT and ACT Competitive scores (waivable)

Visa Process for International Students

The International students planning to study at the university need to apply for a student visa to study in the USA once the application letter has been issued to them. Once the admissions application gets completed, the eligible students for the course will receive an email requesting the financial documentation necessary to issue an I-20 or DS-2020 to apply to study at the institute. To apply for an F-1 visa, the international students must complete the following steps.

  • The international students will be issued form I-20 by the university and after that will apply for the F-1 Students visas to enter the US.

The international students must arrange the following documents to receive the Form I-20:

  • Copy of passport
  • Certificate of financial support
  • Bank statement.
  • Personal data information form
  • educational agreements
  • Submit a copy of the award letter, if any
  • The international students need to maintain health insurance that meets the minimum coverage requirements for the university:
    1. Medical Expense (per Accident or Sickness) - 50,000 USD
    2. Accidental Death and Dismemberment - 10,000 USD
    3. Medical Evacuation - 50,000 USD
    4. Repatriation/Return of Mortal Remains - 50,000 USD

Once all the details have been submitted, Samford University will issue I-20 form to the shortlisted students by mail. As a prospective undergraduate student, the Admissions Office will help the students during their application process. The international students can drop in their queries at [email protected] or call at 205-726-2741; Brooks Hall, Room 221.

Samford University Undergraduate Admissions

UG admissions to Samford are offered in 177 majors, minors, and concentrations. The international students need to submit transcripts directly from the institution to the Samford University within the mentioned deadline only.

Where to Apply: University Application or Common Application

Application Fee: USD 40

  • English proficiency test score for international applicants
  • ACT/SAT Scores/ TOEFL/IELTS scores
  • Letter of recommendation(s)
  • Official high school transcript
  • Documentation for financial support (bank statement, minimum balance of 42,120 USD)

Samford University Postgraduate Admissions

Samford offers graduate and professional programs through 10 academic schools. International students can pursue 48 graduate programs in Samford University including 25 master’s programs.

Where to apply: Samford app and Common application.
Application fee: 35 USD (2,558 INR).
Admission requirements: The common requirements for admission to the graduate courses at Samford university are listed below:

  • Online application.
  • Official transcripts.
  • Transcript evaluation from NACES or WES.
  • GRE or GMAT score, waivable for GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%).
  • Professional resume.
  • English proficiency test scores.
  • LOR.
  • SOP.
  • Financial Affidavit.
  • Copies of passport and visa (if available).

The top graduate programs offered by the university are listed below:

Programs Official Transcripts Graduate Admission Tests Resume Additional requirements
M.B.A. Required with GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) GMAT and GRE waivable Required Financial affidavit, immigration documents
Master of Accountancy Required with GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) GMAT and GRE waivable Required Not required
Master of Architecture Required Not required Required Not required
MSN Required with GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) Not required Not required Non refundable fee 750 USD if accepted, registered nurse unencumbered licensure
Master of Laws Required Not required Required LOR, SOP.

The Graduate Admissions Applications include application into all graduate programs; the applicants of law course have to send the official transcripts directly from the awarding institution to Cumberland School of Law, 800 Lakeshore Drive Birmingham Alabama, 35229, ATTN: Grad Law

The applicants for graduate programs are required to complete an application through a common application portal. The students applying for the graduate courses can get in touch with the educational counselors. The students are supposed to contact Jennifer Beck, International Student Coordinator, for application addendum. A copy of the passport (and visa if applicable) must accompany the application and should be mailed to Samford University, Brock School of Business, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229.

Placements & Recruiters

Samford University Placement Details

Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Birmingham, Alabama, United States.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2019

Highlights
2019
  • Best overall country rank: #151
  • Overall: #151 in country
  • Top source: FORBES
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall
  • 1 ranking record in 2019

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Law: #55 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 2 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Law, Education
  • 1 ranking record in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Best overall country rank: #51
  • Law: #39 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 3 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Law
  • 1 ranking record in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Law: #34 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 2 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Law, Education
  • 1 ranking record in 2025

Contact Information

800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229

+1-205-726-2011