
800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229, USA


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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Total enrollment
6101Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1087Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
428 full time, 206 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Samford University LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
3Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes