Samford University vs. Arkansas State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arkansas State University is larger than Samford University based on total student enrollment (15,726 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Arkansas State University is in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Arkansas State University 17:1.

Samford University vs. Arkansas State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Arkansas State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Arkansas State University than Samford University ($12,410 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Arkansas State University are 11.5% lower than at Samford University ($11,550 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 396.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $32,060 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 176.5% higher at Samford University than at Arkansas State University (about $25,628 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Arkansas State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 68.2% larger than aid received by Arkansas State University students ($22,530 vs. $13,395).

Samford University vs. Arkansas State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University or Arkansas State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Arkansas State University and Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 80 points higher than at Arkansas State University (1080).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Arkansas State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Arkansas State University 970/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Arkansas State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Arkansas State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Arkansas State University (3.66).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Arkansas State University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 19.5% at Arkansas State University.

Samford University vs. Arkansas State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Arkansas State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Samford University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Arkansas State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $21,400 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($19,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($201 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas State University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.