Samford University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Samford’s 82% acceptance rate means your strategy should be to show a clear academic fit, not to treat admission as a long shot. Because ACT scores are still commonly submitted here, a 28 ACT or higher, paired with strong grades near its 3.88 average GPA, gives you a useful benchmark for when submitting scores makes sense.
⬡ LangSmithebfa12a0-a259-4bbc-84bf-9f651b0ecc8aData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Samford University facts and stats
Samford University enrolls about 4,210 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Samford has a 93% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 77%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.
⬡ LangSmith61a325f5-e9d9-4a4e-9ce3-96679d7a6db7Birmingham, AL
How do your scores compare at Samford?
Key Samford University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
May 1
Early Action
Offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
July 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Samford is test-optional, so if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores, aim for your first test by spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and an October fall retake to improve your superscore, since October is typically the last safe retake for Early Action timing.
⬡ LangSmith224bafdf-bb86-49af-bf6e-a7a7ebbbc3e0Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Samford University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Samford is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $40,150, and 46% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $19,212; submit the FAFSA by the July 15 priority deadline.
⬡ LangSmithffa77916-6dfc-4c02-a63d-5921e4bf3fdb
Samford’s listed cost of attendance is about $54,893, including $40,150 in tuition and fees and $14,743 for room and board. Aid is a major factor: 46% of students receive aid, with an average package of $27,660. Merit awards average $19,212, and listed scholarship thresholds generally start at a 3.00 GPA, with some at 3.30. Graduates leave with an average debt of $31,310.
⬡ LangSmithec287c55-1f1d-42d0-9a17-0a0ff6e1fce4Student life at Samford University
61% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 41% of men join fraternities, and 60% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Heritage Christian University
Florence, ALAcceptance rate: 90%
ACT: 18–19
Faulkner University
Montgomery, ALAcceptance rate: 73.1%
SAT: 950–1130
ACT: 18–21
Herzing University, Birmingham
Birmingham, ALAcceptance rate: 93.3%
Emory & Henry University
Emory, VAAcceptance rate: 83.7%
SAT: 1051–1223
ACT: 20–26
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