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The University of Alabama vs Samford University

The University of Alabama is a public university in Tuscaloosa, AL, and Samford University is a private university in Birmingham, AL. The University of Alabama is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 82% at Samford University. The University of Alabama is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,420 a year against $32,622 at Samford University. About 78% of students graduate at Samford University, compared with 74% at The University of Alabama. Ten years after enrolling, The University of Alabama alumni earn a median of about $59,221, against $58,469 for Samford University.

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL · Public

Samford University

Birmingham, AL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Tuscaloosa, AL
Birmingham, AL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
33,227
4,206
Acceptance rate
77%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1400
1070–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
24–31
22–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,420
$32,622
Full cost / yr
$33,382
$57,456
In-state tuition
$12,180
$40,150
Out-of-state tuition
$34,172
$40,150
Application fee
$40
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,169
$22,716
$30k - $48k
$19,884
$24,812
$48k - $75k
$22,258
$31,527
$75k - $110k
$25,658
$34,206
Over $110k
$26,729
$36,235
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
78%
Freshman retention
89%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,233
$49,466
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,221
$58,469
Median debt at graduation
$22,750
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
11%
First-generation students
23%
14%
International students
1%
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 The University of Alabama or Samford University harder to get into?
The University of Alabama is harder to get into. It admits about 77% 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, The University of Alabama or Samford University?
The University of Alabama is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,420 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 The University of Alabama and Samford University?
Before aid, The University of Alabama costs about $33,382 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, The University of Alabama or Samford University?
The University of Alabama. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,169 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, The University of Alabama or Samford University?
The University of Alabama is the larger of the two, with about 33,227 undergraduates against 4,206 at Samford University.
Does The University of Alabama or Samford University have a better graduation rate?
Samford University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 74% at The University of Alabama.
Do graduates of The University of Alabama or Samford University earn more?
The University of Alabama alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,221 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,469 for Samford University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do The University of Alabama and Samford University require SAT or ACT scores?
The University of Alabama 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 The University of Alabama and Samford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1400 at The University of Alabama and 1070–1250 at Samford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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