Samford University vs. Delta State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with Delta State University in Cleveland, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samford University is larger than Delta State University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 2,654 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Delta State University is in Cleveland, MS (Remote Town setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Delta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Delta State University 12:1.

Samford University vs. Delta State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Delta 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 Delta State University than Samford University ($14,021 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Delta State University are 33.1% lower than at Samford University ($8,731 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 366.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Delta State University (about $31,545 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $8,605.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 366.6% higher at Samford University than at Delta State University (about $31,545 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $8,605.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Delta State University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 170.4% larger than aid received by Delta State University students ($22,530 vs. $8,331).

Samford University vs. Delta State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 90 points higher than at Delta State University (1070).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Delta State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Delta State University 925/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Delta State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Delta State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Delta State University (3.37).
• Delta State University has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 17.6% at Delta State University.

Samford University vs. Delta State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Delta 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 Delta State University's (32%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $19,700 more per year than Delta State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $37,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Delta State University graduates have a $3,232 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($19,268 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Delta State University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($199 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Delta State University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 52%)

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.