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Oakwood University vs Samford University

Oakwood University is a private university in Huntsville, AL. Samford University is a private university in Birmingham, AL. Oakwood University admits about 45% of applicants and Samford University about 82%, making Oakwood University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $25,669 a year at Oakwood University after aid, and about $32,622 at Samford University. About 78% of students graduate at Samford University, compared with 47% at Oakwood University. Ten years after enrolling, Samford University alumni earn a median of about $58,469, against $42,488 for Oakwood University.

Oakwood University

Huntsville, AL · Private

Samford University

Birmingham, AL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Huntsville, AL
Birmingham, AL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,153
4,206
Acceptance rate
45%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.24–3.94
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
853–1108
1070–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
16–23
22–28
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,669
$32,622
Full cost / yr
$40,176
$57,456
In-state tuition
$22,512
$40,150
Out-of-state tuition
$22,512
$40,150
Application fee
Not reported
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,999
$22,716
$30k - $48k
$22,444
$24,812
$48k - $75k
$24,501
$31,527
$75k - $110k
$28,074
$34,206
Over $110k
$27,219
$36,235
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
78%
Freshman retention
71%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$30,969
$49,466
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,488
$58,469
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
11%
First-generation students
18%
14%
International students
0%
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 Oakwood University or Samford University harder to get into?
Oakwood University is harder to get into. It admits about 45% 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, Oakwood University or Samford University?
Oakwood University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,669 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 Oakwood University and Samford University?
Before aid, Oakwood University costs about $40,176 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, Oakwood University or Samford University?
Samford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $22,716 there, against about $23,999 at Oakwood University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Oakwood University or Samford University?
Samford University is the larger of the two, with about 4,206 undergraduates against 1,153 at Oakwood University.
Does Oakwood University or Samford University have a better graduation rate?
Samford University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 47% at Oakwood University.
Do graduates of Oakwood 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 $42,488 for Oakwood University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Oakwood University and Samford University require SAT or ACT scores?
Oakwood University requires SAT or ACT scores. Samford University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Oakwood University and Samford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 853–1108 at Oakwood University and 1070–1250 at Samford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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