Samford University vs. Bellarmine University

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samford University is larger than Bellarmine University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 2,886 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Bellarmine University is in Louisville, KY (Large City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Bellarmine University 12:1.

Samford University vs. Bellarmine University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Bellarmine 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 Bellarmine University than Samford University ($23,165 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 16.9% lower than at Samford University ($10,850 vs. $13,056).
• Bellarmine University is 21.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Samford University (about $8,620 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.5% higher at Bellarmine University than at Samford University (about $8,620 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Bellarmine University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 73.1% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($39,001 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Bellarmine University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University or Bellarmine University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bellarmine University and Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 20 points higher than at Bellarmine University (1140).
• Incoming Samford University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 25) as students at Bellarmine University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Samford University 1070/1250; Bellarmine University 1030/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Samford University 22/28; Bellarmine University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Bellarmine University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Samford University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 13.1% at Bellarmine University.

Samford University vs. Bellarmine University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Bellarmine University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Samford University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Bellarmine University's (66%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Bellarmine University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $50,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Bellarmine University graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bellarmine University graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bellarmine University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 73%)

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.