Samford University
Samford University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Samford University at a Glance
Samford University is a private Christian university in Homewood, Alabama, United States. Homewood is an inner-suburb of Birmingham. Samford was founded by Baptists in 1841 as Howard College and located until 1887 in Marion, Alabama. It is governed by an independent board of trustees, which requires board members to be Baptists.
1841
185 years old
$540M
$539.7 million (2024)
6,324
4,370 undergrad · 1,954 grad
450
247 acres
Identity
Is Samford University Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, Samford University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,469 — 9% above average — while paying $32,622/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 78% graduation rate means roughly 22% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Samford University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Samford University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #51 of 88 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #2 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #4 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #5 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #6 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #51 | Samford University | 35 | $32,622 | $58,469 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Samford University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Samford University
The highest-earning program at Samford University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $53,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $23,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Samford University earns $53,200, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $23,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $24,777 in median debt vs. $16,480 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $32,622/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $53,200 | $53,200 | $24,777 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $52,100 | $52,100 | $20,500 |
| Journalism | $32,800 | $32,800 | $26,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $23,100 | $23,100 | $16,480 |
Similar Colleges in AL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Birmingham, AL
- Student Body
- 4,206 students
- Admission Rate
- 82%
- Graduation Rate
- 78%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $32,622
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,469
- Median Student Debt
- $19,500