About Samford University
Samford University, a private, not-for-profit institution, stands as a prominent Christian university with a resilient history. Surviving fires, the Civil War, financial turmoil, and relocations, Samford has evolved into an esteemed institution known for its commitment to Christian values and academic excellence.
The university’s mission to nurture individuals in their intellectual, creative, and personal development fosters academic, career, and ethical competency. Grounded in Christian understanding, Samford promotes a diverse community that prioritizes rigorous learning and personal faith within the Baptist tradition.
With a dedication to innovation in teaching, learning, and research, Samford remains attentive to global issues, continuously striving for improvement while staying true to its core values. The university embraces such ideals as:
- Spiritual growth
- Personal empowerment
- Responsible stewardship
- Service to God, family, community, and others
Samford provides a comprehensive range of undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and nationally recognized graduate and professional schools in areas such as arts, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy, and public health. Online programs offer certificates, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Through its unwavering commitment to education, Christian principles, and service, Samford University prepares individuals to contribute positively to the world and make a meaningful difference.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Samford University is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
BaptistGraduate Enrollment:
2,291Fully Online Graduate Students:
17%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$19,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
99%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$22,680Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesSamford can be a good path for working adults, including graduate students. The program can fit a full-time job, but the pace is demanding. Classes are rigorous, and professors expect steady effort each term.
Planning your course load matters if you want to finish on time. Annual tuition is listed at $40,150, so cost is an important part of the decision. For many students, the higher price feels worth it for strong faculty support and a high-quality learning experience.
At Samford, support feels personal and easy to reach. Small classes make it simpler to talk with professors when questions come up. Faculty are known for being warm, welcoming, and involved in student learning.
Advising and daily support are clear strengths. Professors set high standards and stay engaged as students work through each course. That steady guidance helps students manage deadlines, understand grading, and keep moving toward their goals.
Administrative offices are usually organized and approachable. Staff help routine tasks move along with fewer delays. Together, these strengths create a dependable system where students can get help quickly.
Online classes at Samford run with high expectations. The pace is serious. Professors expect strong work and steady progress. This is not a low-pressure setup.
Support is personal and close. Small classes help instructors know students well. That can help working adults keep moving. One graduate student completed studies while working full time. Faith is part of daily class life and school culture.
Classes at Samford are personal and challenging. Small class sizes are common, so students get direct attention. Professors are approachable and active in class. They set high standards and expect students to keep up.
Coursework moves at a rigorous pace, with clear deadlines and steady accountability. Teaching is shaped by the school’s Christian identity in daily class life. Many students find that meaningful and grounding. Others may prefer a less faith-centered approach.
Overall, Samford offers a high-support classroom experience with strong expectations. It can be a great fit for students who want close faculty contact and a serious academic pace.
Samford is mostly favorable, but very fit-dependent. Classes are small and personal. Professors are approachable and engaged. Students often feel known, not anonymous.
The pace is rigorous. Professors expect a lot. That helps students wanting challenge and accountability. It can feel heavy for lighter-pace expectations.
Faith is central to daily experience. It shapes culture, classes, and social life. Support is strongest with professors and staff. People are warm and invested.
Cost is a real split point. Some see strong value. Others do not. Overall, Samford fits students wanting rigor, close teaching, and faith integration.
Samford is mostly favorable, but very fit-dependent. Classes are small and personal. Professors are approachable and engaged. Students often feel known, not anonymous.
The pace is rigorous. Professors expect a lot. That helps students wanting challenge and accountability. It can feel heavy for lighter-pace expectations.
Faith is central to daily experience. It shapes culture, classes, and social life. Support is strongest with professors and staff. People are warm and invested.
Cost is a real split point. Some see strong value. Others do not. Overall, Samford fits students wanting rigor, close teaching, and faith integration.
Online Programs offered by Samford University
All Programs
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Healthcare
Frequently Asked Questions About Samford University
Is Samford University accredited?
Yes. Samford University is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does Samford University offer?
Samford University offers 12 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Samford University offer?
Samford University offers graduate-level programs, including master's, doctoral, and graduate certificate pathways.
How should students contact admissions at Samford University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Samford University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Samford University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Samford University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Samford University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Samford University programs require?
Most listed programs require at least a 3.0 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 3.0 to 3.5.
Is Samford University military friendly?
Samford University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Samford University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Samford University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Interview, and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Samford University accept life experience credit?
Samford University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Samford University programs fully online or mixed?
Samford University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Samford University offer?
Samford University has online program options in areas such as Healthcare, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, and Education; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Samford University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Are any admission tests required for Samford University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Samford University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Samford University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Samford University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Samford University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Samford University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Samford University is featured in 8 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Samford University is located in Alabama
Alabama at a Glance:
Top Majors in Alabama:
Top Incentives in Alabama:
- Alabama Student Grant Program: Up to $1,200 annually
- Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program: Up to $1,000 per semester
- Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program: Up to $5,000 loan repayment
Top Career Pathways in Alabama:
- Entry Level: Clinical Manager ($58,000)
- Mid Level: Hospital Administrator ($85,000)
- Senior Level: Healthcare Director ($130,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CAHME
- Entry Level: Systems Engineer ($70,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Engineer ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Engineering Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Aerospace Engineering
- Certifications: PE, PMP
- Entry Level: Production Supervisor ($55,000)
- Mid Level: Plant Manager ($90,000)
- Senior Level: Operations Director ($140,000+)
- Required Education: BS Business Administration
- Certifications: Six Sigma, PMP