Samford University vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 2,914 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Samford University vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Columbia International 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 Columbia International University than Samford University ($26,056 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 8.5% lower than at Samford University ($11,950 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 43.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $12,250 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.9% higher at Samford University than at Columbia International University (about $12,250 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 32.5% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($22,530 vs. $17,009).

Samford University vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 70 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Samford University 1070/1250; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Samford University 22/28; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Samford University students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Samford University vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Columbia International 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 Columbia International University's (57%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $24,000 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($222 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia International University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 63%)

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.