University of Alabama at Birmingham vs Samford University
University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public university in Birmingham, AL, and Samford University is a private university in Birmingham, AL. Samford University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 82% of applicants against 88% at University of Alabama at Birmingham. University of Alabama at Birmingham is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,749 a year against $32,622 at Samford University. About 78% of students graduate at Samford University, compared with 63% at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Ten years after enrolling, Samford University alumni earn a median of about $58,469, against $54,501 for University of Alabama at Birmingham.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, AL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
11,635
4,206
Acceptance rate
88%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.77 avg
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1210–1450
1070–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
22–28
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,749
$32,622
Full cost / yr
$28,145
$57,456
In-state tuition
$9,098
$40,150
Out-of-state tuition
$22,562
$40,150
Application fee
$40
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,172
$22,716
$30k - $48k
$15,500
$24,812
$48k - $75k
$19,161
$31,527
$75k - $110k
$21,805
$34,206
Over $110k
$22,597
$36,235
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
78%
Freshman retention
80%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,572
$49,466
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,501
$58,469
Median debt at graduation
$22,300
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
11%
First-generation students
34%
14%
International students
2%
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.
- Is University of Alabama at Birmingham or Samford University harder to get into?
- Samford University is harder to get into. It admits about 82% of applicants, compared with 88% at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, University of Alabama at Birmingham or Samford University?
- University of Alabama at Birmingham is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,749 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 University of Alabama at Birmingham and Samford University?
- Before aid, University of Alabama at Birmingham costs about $28,145 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, University of Alabama at Birmingham or Samford University?
- University of Alabama at Birmingham. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,172 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, University of Alabama at Birmingham or Samford University?
- University of Alabama at Birmingham is the larger of the two, with about 11,635 undergraduates against 4,206 at Samford University.
- Does University of Alabama at Birmingham or Samford University have a better graduation rate?
- Samford University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 63% at University of Alabama at Birmingham.
- Do graduates of University of Alabama at Birmingham or Samford University earn more?
- Samford University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,469 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,501 for University of Alabama at Birmingham. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Alabama at Birmingham and Samford University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Alabama at Birmingham considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Samford University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of Alabama at Birmingham and Samford University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1210–1450 at University of Alabama at Birmingham and 1070–1250 at Samford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of Alabama at Birmingham vs Alabama A & M UniversityUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham vs University of Alabama in HuntsvilleUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham vs University of South AlabamaSamford University vs University of West AlabamaSamford University vs Oakwood UniversitySamford University vs Tuskegee University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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