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Auburn University vs Samford University

Auburn University is a public university in Auburn, AL. Samford University is a private university in Birmingham, AL. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants and Samford University about 82%, making Auburn University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $24,323 a year at Auburn University after aid, and about $32,622 at Samford University. About 81% of students graduate at Auburn University, compared with 78% at Samford University. Ten years after enrolling, Auburn University alumni earn a median of about $65,337, against $58,469 for Samford University.

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Auburn University

Auburn, AL · Public

Samford University

Birmingham, AL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Auburn, AL
Birmingham, AL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
26,816
4,206
Acceptance rate
46%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1260–1390
1070–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
26–31
22–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,323
$32,622
Full cost / yr
$34,919
$57,456
In-state tuition
$12,890
$40,150
Out-of-state tuition
$34,922
$40,150
Application fee
$50
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,681
$22,716
$30k - $48k
$17,627
$24,812
$48k - $75k
$20,558
$31,527
$75k - $110k
$25,808
$34,206
Over $110k
$29,547
$36,235
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
78%
Freshman retention
95%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,629
$49,466
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,337
$58,469
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
11%
First-generation students
17%
14%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Auburn University or Samford University harder to get into?
Auburn University is harder to get into. It admits about 46% of applicants, compared with 82% at Samford University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Auburn University or Samford University?
Auburn University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,323 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,622 at Samford University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Auburn University and Samford University?
Before aid, Auburn University costs about $34,919 a year and Samford University about $57,456. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Auburn University or Samford University?
Auburn University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,681 there, against about $22,716 at Samford University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Auburn University or Samford University?
Auburn University is the larger of the two, with about 26,816 undergraduates against 4,206 at Samford University.
Does Auburn University or Samford University have a better graduation rate?
Auburn University has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 78% at Samford University.
Do graduates of Auburn University or Samford University earn more?
Auburn University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,337 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,469 for Samford University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Auburn University and Samford University require SAT or ACT scores?
Auburn University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Samford University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Auburn University and Samford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1260–1390 at Auburn University and 1070–1250 at Samford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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