Samford University vs. Brenau University

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with Brenau University in Gainesville, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samford University is larger than Brenau University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 2,436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Brenau University is in Gainesville, GA (Small City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brenau University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Brenau University 11:1.

Samford University vs. Brenau University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Brenau 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 Brenau University than Samford University ($19,743 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brenau University are 1.6% lower than at Samford University ($12,850 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 18% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brenau University (about $6,123 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $34,027.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18% higher at Samford University than at Brenau University (about $6,123 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $34,027.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Brenau University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brenau University students is 16.8% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($26,325 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Brenau University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University or Brenau 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 Brenau University and Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 90 points higher than at Brenau University (1070).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Brenau University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Brenau University 930/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Brenau University 18/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Brenau University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Brenau University (3.39).
• Brenau University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 9.1% at Brenau University.

Samford University vs. Brenau University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Brenau 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 Brenau University's (44%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $13,800 more per year than Brenau University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Brenau University graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brenau University graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brenau University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 48%)

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.