Samford University vs. AU

Samford University and Anderson University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Samford University
Anderson University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: AU (54.7% admitted vs 82.4%). Typical SAT 1190 vs 1160.
  • Cheaper after aid: AU. Average net price is $24,434 vs $34,926 at Samford University.
  • Graduation: Samford University 70% vs AU 48%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Samford University $57,400 vs AU $37,500 (median).
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Key differences

Samford University Anderson University
Acceptance rate
AU more selective
Samford University82.4%
AU54.7%
SAT range (middle 50%)
AU higher
Samford University1070-1250
AU1100-1280
Average net price
AU $10,492 less
Samford University$34,926
AU$24,434
In-state tuition
AU $5,180 less
Samford University$40,150
AU$34,970
Out-of-state tuition
AU $5,180 less
Samford University$40,150
AU$34,970
Graduation rate
Samford University +22 pts
Samford University70%
AU48%
Median earnings (10 years)
Samford University +$19,900
Samford University$57,400
AU$37,500

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Samford University 4,559
  • AU 4,548
  • Admitted
  • Samford University 3,755
  • AU 2,488
  • Acceptance rate
  • Samford University 82.4%
  • AU 54.7%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Samford University 28.9%
  • AU 32.5%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Samford University 1160
  • AU 1190
  • Typical ACT score
  • Samford University 25
  • AU 25
  • Average high school GPA
  • Samford University 3.84
  • AU 3.72
  • Typical high school grades
  • Samford University A-
  • AU A-
  • Admissions standards
  • Samford University Average
  • AU Challenging
  • Applicant competition
  • Samford University
  • AU Low
  • SAT range
  • Samford University 1070-1250
  • AU 1100-1280
  • ACT range
  • Samford University 22-28
  • AU 22-29
  • Submit test scores
  • Samford University Test optional
  • AU Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Samford University May 1, 2027
  • AU
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Samford University $40,150
  • AU $34,970
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Samford University $40,150
  • AU $34,970
  • Room & board
  • Samford University $13,056
  • AU $12,720
  • Average net price
  • Samford University $34,926
  • AU $24,434
  • Average grant aid
  • Samford University $22,530
  • AU $25,969
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Samford University 100%
  • AU 98%
  • Graduation rate
  • Samford University 70%
  • AU 48%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Samford University $57,400
  • AU $37,500
  • Making student loan payments
  • Samford University 77%
  • AU 60%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Samford University $22,500
  • AU $26,862
  • Median loan payment
  • Samford University $232
  • AU $277
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Samford University 14:1
  • AU 13:1
  • Popular majors
  • Samford University
    • Business (20%)
    • Health Professions (14%)
    • Education (11%)
    • Work and Family Studies (8%)
    • Communication (6%)
  • AU
    • Education (37%)
    • Business (36%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (9%)
    • Psychology (4%)
    • Communication (3%)
  • Location
  • Samford University Birmingham, AL
  • AU Anderson, SC
  • Setting
  • Samford University Large Suburban
  • AU Small City
  • Total enrollment
  • Samford University 6,097
  • AU 4,710
  • Type
  • Samford University Private 4 Year
  • AU Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Samford University #247
  • AU #662

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with Anderson University in Anderson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Samford University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 4,710 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Anderson University is in Anderson, SC (Small City setting).
  • Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Anderson University 13:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Anderson University are 2.6% lower than at Samford University ($12,720 vs. $13,056).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 14.8% higher at Samford University than at Anderson University (about $5,180 more per year; $40,150 vs. $34,970).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Anderson University (100% vs. 98%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 15.3% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($25,969 vs. $22,530).

Admissions details

  • Incoming Samford University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 25) as students at AU (25).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Samford University and AU.
  • Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Samford University average a 3.84 high school GPA, 0.12 higher than at AU (3.72).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 32.5% at AU.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $4,362 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,862).
  • Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($232 vs. $277).
  • More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation (77% vs. 60%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

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