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University of West Alabama vs Samford University

University of West Alabama is a public university in Livingston, AL, and Samford University is a private university in Birmingham, AL. University of West Alabama is the more selective of the two, admitting about 43% of applicants against 82% at Samford University. University of West Alabama is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,684 a year against $32,622 at Samford University. About 78% of students graduate at Samford University, compared with 36% at University of West Alabama. Ten years after enrolling, Samford University alumni earn a median of about $58,469, against $44,232 for University of West Alabama.

University of West Alabama

Livingston, AL · Public

Samford University

Birmingham, AL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Livingston, AL
Birmingham, AL
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,974
4,206
Acceptance rate
43%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.24–3.94
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
860–1120
1070–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
22–28
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,684
$32,622
Full cost / yr
$22,758
$57,456
In-state tuition
$10,990
$40,150
Out-of-state tuition
$20,090
$40,150
Application fee
$30
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,179
$22,716
$30k - $48k
$12,523
$24,812
$48k - $75k
$14,606
$31,527
$75k - $110k
$18,550
$34,206
Over $110k
Not reported
$36,235
Outcomes
Graduation rate
36%
78%
Freshman retention
65%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,106
$49,466
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,232
$58,469
Median debt at graduation
$24,944
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
11%
First-generation students
40%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of West Alabama or Samford University harder to get into?
University of West Alabama is harder to get into. It admits about 43% 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, University of West Alabama or Samford University?
University of West Alabama is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,684 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 West Alabama and Samford University?
Before aid, University of West Alabama costs about $22,758 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 West Alabama or Samford University?
University of West Alabama. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,179 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 West Alabama or Samford University?
Samford University is the larger of the two, with about 4,206 undergraduates against 2,974 at University of West Alabama.
Does University of West Alabama or Samford University have a better graduation rate?
Samford University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 36% at University of West Alabama.
Do graduates of University of West Alabama or Samford University earn more?
Samford University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,469 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,232 for University of West Alabama. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of West Alabama and Samford University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of West Alabama 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 West Alabama and Samford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 860–1120 at University of West Alabama and 1070–1250 at Samford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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