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Samford University: Davis Lib SU
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Christian college

Samford University

Birmingham, AL · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Alabama Baptists · Baptist

Samford University is a Christian university in Birmingham, Alabama, founded in 1841 by Alabama Baptists. Its 2026-27 undergraduate catalog requires two Biblical Foundations courses, one on the Old Testament and one on the New Testament, of every undergraduate, and it offers Biblical Studies and Christian and Religious Studies majors.

Academic Excellence

A-Academic Excellence: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
82 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.77%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.93%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,201 · ACT 25
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.14 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$16,043

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Partly researched

We have checked some of this college’s faith and campus life facts against its own official pages. There is not yet enough verified to grade them, so the findings below are what we could confirm. Anything not listed has not been confirmed yet.

  • Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students: 2 courses (Two Biblical Foundations courses (Old Testament and New Testament), 3 credits each, in the Samford Commons Core Curriculum.)
  • Required courses include study of the Old and New Testaments: Required of all students
  • Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses required: None required (The complete 21-credit required Core Curriculum has no Christian worldview or faith-and-learning course. Inquiry Area courses are choices.)
  • Bible, theology or ministry major offered: Yes
  • A published statement of faith: Yes
N/AWorship and chapel: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Worship and chapel

Not enough information · 0 of 7 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel services during the weekNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A chapel or worship space on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayerNot enough information: no verified chapel or worship times are recorded.
BBible and theology: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

77 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (Two Biblical Foundations courses (Old Testament and New Testament), 3 credits each, in the Samford Commons Core Curriculum.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Samford Commons: Core Curriculum, Inquiry Areas | 2026-2027 Samford Undergrad Catalog (Working Draft)catalog.samford.edu/preview_entity.php?catoid=34&ent_oid=2675&returnto=2256 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “All undergraduates are required to take the Core Curriculum at Samford (21 credits).”
      The Core Curriculum is required of all undergraduates.
      “UCBF 101 - Biblical Foundations: Old Testament (3) UCBF 102 - Biblical Foundations: New Testament (3)”
      Two required Core courses cover the Old Testament and the New Testament.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students
    Sources (1)
    1. Samford Commons: Core Curriculum, Inquiry Areas | 2026-2027 Samford Undergrad Catalog (Working Draft)catalog.samford.edu/preview_entity.php?catoid=34&ent_oid=2675&returnto=2256 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “UCBF 101 - Biblical Foundations: Old Testament (3) UCBF 102 - Biblical Foundations: New Testament (3)”
      Two required Core courses cover the Old Testament and the New Testament.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNone required (The complete 21-credit required Core Curriculum has no Christian worldview or faith-and-learning course. Inquiry Area courses are choices.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Samford Commons: Core Curriculum, Inquiry Areas | 2026-2027 Samford Undergrad Catalog (Working Draft)catalog.samford.edu/preview_entity.php?catoid=34&ent_oid=2675&returnto=2256 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Core Curriculum: 21 Credits UCG 101 - University Common Ground (1) UCBF 101 - Biblical Foundations: Old Testament (3)”
      The required 21-credit Core Curriculum (all undergraduates) lists University Common Ground, two Biblical Foundations courses, two Core Texts courses, two Core Writing courses and a wellness course; no Christian worldview course is required.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Biblical and Religious Studies | 2026-2027 Samford Undergrad Catalog (Working Draft)catalog.samford.edu/preview_entity.php?catoid=34&ent_oid=2659&returnto=2256 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Department of Biblical and Religious Studies offers majors in biblical studies, Christian and religious studies”
      A Biblical Studies major (BA) is offered.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes
    Sources (1)
    1. About Samford University | 2026-2027 Samford Undergrad Catalog (Working Draft)catalog.samford.edu/content.php?catoid=34&navoid=2249 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Samford University’s corporate expression of faith commitment is The Statement of Baptist Faith and Message of 1963, without amendment.”
      The university names its statement of faith as the Baptist Faith and Message of 1963.
N/AChristian community: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Christian community

Not enough information · 0 of 7 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionNot enough information: not found in official sources.
N/AMissions and service: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Missions and service

Not enough information · 0 of 6 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service or outreach officeNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Missions trips offered to studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionNot enough information: not found in official sources.

Strengths

  • Two Biblical Foundations courses, one on the Old Testament and one on the New Testament, are required of all undergraduates.
    Sources (1)
    1. Samford Commons: Core Curriculum, Inquiry Areas | 2026-2027 Samford Undergrad Catalog (Working Draft)catalog.samford.edu/preview_entity.php?catoid=34&ent_oid=2675&returnto=2256 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “UCBF 101 - Biblical Foundations: Old Testament (3) UCBF 102 - Biblical Foundations: New Testament (3)”
      Two required Core courses cover the Old Testament and the New Testament.
  • The university names the Baptist Faith and Message of 1963 as its statement of faith.
    Sources (1)
    1. About Samford University | 2026-2027 Samford Undergrad Catalog (Working Draft)catalog.samford.edu/content.php?catoid=34&navoid=2249 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Samford University’s corporate expression of faith commitment is The Statement of Baptist Faith and Message of 1963, without amendment.”
      The university names its statement of faith as the Baptist Faith and Message of 1963.

Concerns

  • The required Core Curriculum has two Biblical Foundations courses and no separate required Christian worldview or faith-and-learning course.
    Sources (1)
    1. Samford Commons: Core Curriculum, Inquiry Areas | 2026-2027 Samford Undergrad Catalog (Working Draft)catalog.samford.edu/preview_entity.php?catoid=34&ent_oid=2675&returnto=2256 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Core Curriculum: 21 Credits UCG 101 - University Common Ground (1) UCBF 101 - Biblical Foundations: Old Testament (3)”
      The required 21-credit Core Curriculum (all undergraduates) lists University Common Ground, two Biblical Foundations courses, two Core Texts courses, two Core Writing courses and a wellness course; no Christian worldview course is required.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$22,716
$30,001–$48,000$24,812
$48,001–$75,000$31,527
$75,001–$110,000$34,206
Over $110,000$36,235

Full cost of attendance before aid: $57,456 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
3,832
Total students5,791
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$32,622
Cost of attendance (per year)$57,456
Median federal debt at graduation$19,500
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
77%
First-year retention93%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$58,469
Admission rate82%
Students receiving Pell grants11%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1070–1250ACT 22–28
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1201
SAT reading & writing550–640
SAT math520–610
ACT composite22–28
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 66 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration$119,888
Finance$93,444
Accounting$90,572
Business administration$76,584
Nursing$72,517
Marketing$70,839
Teacher education$52,171
Family and human development$50,809
Journalism$50,652
Kinesiology and exercise science$47,117

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Allied health, Architecture, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Business (general), Chemistry, Classics, Communication studies, Computer science, Computing and information science, Criminal justice, Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis, Design, Ecology and evolutionary biology, Economics, Engineering Physics, English, Entrepreneurship, Fine arts, Foods, Nutrition,, General studies, Geography, German, Global studies, Health administration, Health sciences, History, Interdisciplinary studies, International relations, Liberal arts, Managerial economics, Mathematics, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Music, Natural resources and conservation, Neuroscience, Other health professions and related clinical sciences, Other visual and performing arts, Paralegal studies, Pastoral counseling, Philosophy, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Physics, Political science, Pre-health, Pre-law and legal studies, Psychology, Public administration, Public health, Religious Music and Worship, Religious studies, Romance languages, Secondary education, Social work, Sociology, Speech-language pathology, Theatre.

Campus facts

School colors
SettingSuburb
Part-time undergraduates1%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older1%
On-campus room and board (per year)$13,056
SportsNCAA Division I · Southern Conference
ROTCArmy · Air Force
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member14 to 1

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Questions families ask

Is Samford University a Christian college?
Yes. Samford University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Alabama Baptists.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 102049
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral/professional university
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Baptist
  • Report an error or a newer source
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