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Samford University

800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229, USA

Samford University award
Samford University award
US ranking
position: 695
Tuition & fees per year: $41,910
Acceptance rate: 82.00%
Median alumni salary: $45,463
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1195 SAT, 26 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does Samford University offer in terms of athletics?

Samford University provides a variety of athletic opportunities for students interested in competitive sports. The university participates in NCAA Division I across multiple sports, offering programs for both men and women. Students can engage in sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer, cross country, and tennis, among others. This range of options allows student-athletes to compete at a high level while balancing their academic responsibilities.

Samford's athletic teams are known as the Bulldogs, and the school holds memberships in conference leagues that provide regional and national competition. This setup offers athletes the chance to experience competitive play within a structured and supportive environment. Facilities at the university are designed to support training and development, contributing to a positive athletic experience.

Participation in athletics at Samford also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, discipline, and personal growth, which are valuable attributes for students both on and off the field. Prospective students considering the university for its athletic programs should find a balance between competitive sports and academic focus, supported by experienced coaching staff dedicated to student development.

What student groups and Associations are available at Samford University?

Samford University has a total enrollment of 4,148 students, comprising 1,446 men and 2,702 women. However, specific information about student groups, associations, or the percentage of students involved in social organizations is not available from the data provided.

Who studies at Samford University?

Samford University hosts a diverse student body in terms of enrollment status, age, ethnicity, and residency, reflecting a varied campus community. The total enrollment consists of 1,163 students, boasting an average-sized freshman class of 1,080, while transfer students number 83, indicating steady but moderate transfer activity compared to other institutions.

The university's student population spans a wide range of ages, especially when combining undergraduate and graduate levels. Among undergraduates, the majority are traditional college-aged students, with 1,827 aged 18 to 19 and 1,613 aged 20 to 21. Graduate students mostly fall between 22 and 49 years old, with significant numbers aged 22 to 24 (897), 25 to 29 (460), and smaller but notable groups in older age brackets, including 91 students aged 50 to 64 and a few above 65. This age distribution suggests Samford serves both typical college entrants as well as older, possibly working adults seeking advanced education.

Residency status at Samford University reveals a strong out-of-state presence: 77% of students come from outside Alabama, a figure placing the institution high nationally in attracting non-resident students. In contrast, only 23% of the student body are in-state, a notably low proportion compared to many universities. The representation of international students is modest, with just one country of origin recorded and a total foreign student percentage that remains average among peer institutions.

Ethnic diversity at Samford University shows a predominantly white student population, accounting for 3,554 individuals, which ranks in the upper 40% nationally. Other racial groups constitute smaller but meaningful portions: Hispanic students number 208, African American students 202, Asians 56, Native American students 13, and Pacific Islanders 4. Additionally, 91 students identify with two or more races, while 33 are categorized as unknown. These figures indicate moderate ethnic variety, reflecting an inclusion of multiple minority groups even though the campus remains largely white.

How does student life look like at Samford University?

Student life at Samford University offers a range of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests. The campus supports several performing arts groups, including drama, band, and chorus. A campus newspaper provides opportunities for students interested in journalism and media.

Health and well-being are also prioritized, with both a health clinic and psychological counseling services available to students. Additionally, the university maintains a veterans affairs office to support military-affiliated students.

While the university hosts an enrollment of just over 6,000 students, the student-faculty ratio stands at about 13 to 1, facilitating manageable class sizes and potentially closer interaction with professors. The university employs a moderately sized staff, with 428 full-time and 206 part-time employees, contributing to campus operations and student support.

Athletics are integrated as the university is a member of the NCAA, allowing students to participate in and follow intercollegiate sports. The diverse range of activities and services aims to enhance the overall student experience beyond academics.

What libraries are available to students at Samford University?

Samford University offers students access to three libraries, a number that ranks in the top 30% nationally. The main library, known as the Samford University Library, is supported by two additional libraries, putting the institution in the top 35% for other library facilities.

The university maintains a balanced collection size, with approximately 262,484 physical books, placing it slightly below the median compared to other institutions. Subscriptions and digital resources also reflect average availability: there are 6,166 subscriptions and 115,341 digital subscriptions, both hovering around the midrange nationally.

Students can benefit from a sizable collection of ebooks, numbering 338,083, although this figure is in the lower 35% bracket when compared nationally. The library also provides access to 341 databases, which is an average offering relative to other universities.

For convenience, the combined library facilities offer 97 service hours weekly and provide physical study areas, digital access, and dedicated study rooms. While they do not have all-day access, the libraries offer staffed support and access to shared collections, enhancing the range of materials available to students.

Samford University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

6101

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

1087

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

428 full time, 206 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Samford University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Samford University Library

Number of libraries on campus

3

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Samford University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Samford University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Samford University Location & Map