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Jacksonville State University vs Samford University

Jacksonville State University is a public university in Jacksonville, AL. Samford University is a private university in Birmingham, AL. Jacksonville State University admits about 78% of applicants and Samford University about 82%, making Jacksonville State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,279 a year at Jacksonville State University after aid, and about $32,622 at Samford University. About 78% of students graduate at Samford University, compared with 53% at Jacksonville State University. Ten years after enrolling, Samford University alumni earn a median of about $58,469, against $45,235 for Jacksonville State University.

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL · Public

Samford University

Birmingham, AL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Jacksonville, AL
Birmingham, AL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,036
4,206
Acceptance rate
78%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1000–1290
1070–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
22–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,279
$32,622
Full cost / yr
$24,257
$57,456
In-state tuition
$12,894
$40,150
Out-of-state tuition
$23,334
$40,150
Application fee
$35
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,472
$22,716
$30k - $48k
$12,622
$24,812
$48k - $75k
$15,343
$31,527
$75k - $110k
$17,480
$34,206
Over $110k
$18,183
$36,235
Outcomes
Graduation rate
53%
78%
Freshman retention
65%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,158
$49,466
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,235
$58,469
Median debt at graduation
$22,189
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
43%
11%
First-generation students
36%
14%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Jacksonville State University or Samford University harder to get into?
Jacksonville State University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% 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, Jacksonville State University or Samford University?
Jacksonville State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,279 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 Jacksonville State University and Samford University?
Before aid, Jacksonville State University costs about $24,257 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, Jacksonville State University or Samford University?
Jacksonville State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,472 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, Jacksonville State University or Samford University?
Jacksonville State University is the larger of the two, with about 7,036 undergraduates against 4,206 at Samford University.
Does Jacksonville State University or Samford University have a better graduation rate?
Samford University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 53% at Jacksonville State University.
Do graduates of Jacksonville State University or Samford University earn more?
Samford University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,469 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,235 for Jacksonville State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Jacksonville State University and Samford University require SAT or ACT scores?
Jacksonville State 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 Jacksonville State University and Samford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1000–1290 at Jacksonville State University and 1070–1250 at Samford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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