Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Birmingham, Alabama
82.2% Acceptance Rate
Samford University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
82.2%Acceptance Rate
3.84Avg GPA
1203Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$53,934Annual Cost
$58,469Grad Salary
10.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
82.2%
Avg GPA
3.84
Avg SAT
1203
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1070–1260
ACT Middle 50%
23–29
Need-Based Aid
10.8% receive Pell
Samford University is a private, Christian institution in Alabama known for its commitment to academic excellence, community service, and the development of the whole person. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a supportive and values-based environment, the university fosters intellectual, professional, and personal growth. Its focus on academic rigor and a strong sense of community makes it a premier choice for students seeking a formative education.
Samford University Acceptance Rate
Samford University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 82.2%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 82.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.84 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.64 – 3.83
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.39
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Samford University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Samford University is November 1 for Early Action applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 103 days left — Early Action
Early Action
November 1
Regular/Final Deadline
May 1
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Samford University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Samford University is 3.84. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A's in all courses.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 4.04-4.24 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.54 and 3.84, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
Samford University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at Samford University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.84, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.84 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.64 – 3.83
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.44 – 3.63
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.43
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Samford's freshman applicants can choose test-optional evaluation for both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 cycles, but once a testing choice is selected, changing it requires a formal appeal submitted before the admission decision is released.
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy's Early Assurance Program guarantees a PharmD seat to qualifying high schoolers who maintain progression standards through two years of prepharmacy coursework - a genuinely rare guaranteed-admission structure for a pharmacy program.
- The Doctor of Pharmacy program uses five alternate, independently sufficient GPA/experience pathways to earn an interview invitation, rather than a single fixed cutoff - applicants should check all five before assuming ineligibility.
- Samford's key freshman dates: application opens Aug. 1; Early Action closes Nov. 1; first scholarship deadline Dec. 1; regular application deadline referenced as May 1 by some sources, though the university's own page emphasizes rolling admission notification beginning early November.
- The Rigor Metric: At Samford University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Samford University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Samford University's verified institutional data
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Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Samford University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Samford University Without SAT or ACT?
Samford University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Samford University Average SAT Score: 1203
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Samford University is 1203 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1203 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1203 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1260 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Samford University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1070, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Samford University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 565 | 520 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 600 | 550 | 650 |
| SAT Composite | 1203 | 1070 | 1260 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1070 then you are below most of the admitted students at Samford University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1260 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Samford University with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Samford University are good but the admission staff at Samford University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Samford University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Samford University is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 — Competitive
This score makes Samford University Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 26 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 20 | 27 |
| ACT English | 26 | 22 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 23 | 29 |
Can I get into Samford University with a 29 ACT?
A 29 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Samford University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Samford University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Samford University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Samford University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 29 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Samford University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Samford University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
If pharmacy is your goal, decide between the Early Assurance Program and the traditional 2+4 pathway before you even submit your Samford application - the entry criteria and timeline diverge sharply
Samford's Early Assurance Program (EAP) lets a high school senior interview for guaranteed PharmD admission before starting freshman year, but requires a 3.5 overall high school GPA and a 3.4 GPA specifically across seven "Prepharmacy Prep Courses" (Biology, Chemistry, Algebra 1/2, Geometry, Precalculus, Calculus), with at least 5 of 7 completed at time of application - a materially higher bar than the traditional PharmCAS-based pathway later in sophomore year. If your GPA profile fits EAP, apply and interview as a senior; if not, the standard prepharmacy-to-PharmCAS route remains fully open with more flexible entry criteria.
For the traditional PharmD interview invitation, know the five alternate qualifying paths - a lower overall GPA can still get you an interview through a different door
McWhorter School of Pharmacy invites interviews if an applicant meets any ONE of five criteria (not all): overall GPA ?2.75; OR gen-ed GPA ?3.0 with math/science GPA ?2.75; OR most-recent-30-credit-hours GPA ?3.20 (with 6+ credits of math/science); OR qualifying military/community service history; OR a 3.0+ GPA UAB MSMBS graduate/near-graduate. If your overall GPA is below 2.75 but your most recent semester's performance is strong, calculate your last-30-credit-hours GPA specifically - it's a genuinely separate qualifying path, not just supplementary context.
Nursing applicants: hit the Ida Moffett School's 3.0 GPA and 1000 SAT combined threshold as your baseline, and know Samford's test-optional policy does NOT automatically extend to this program
While Samford's general freshman admission is test-optional for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 cycles, the Ida Moffett School of Nursing's BSN track has historically referenced a specific minimum SAT threshold alongside its 3.0 GPA floor - confirm directly with the School of Nursing whether test-optional status applies to direct-entry BSN review specifically, since program-level policies can diverge from the university-wide test-optional stance even when both instructions link back to the same general test-optional messaging.
Submit your essay through whichever platform you choose (Samford app or Common App) but hit the specific word count - Samford states both 250-word-minimum and 500-word framings depending on the source document, so default to the longer version to be safe
Samford's current admissions page states an essay "should be 250 words minimum (one to two pages preferred)," while the university's official undergraduate catalog references "approximately 500 words" responding to one of the application's essay questions - write to the one-to-two-page target described on the live application page rather than a bare 250-word minimum, since "preferred" length signals what actually gets read as a complete response.
Expert Insight:
Because Samford is test-optional for freshman admission and broadly holistic, applicants sometimes assume every professional program inherits the same flexibility - the McWhorter School of Pharmacy's Early Assurance Program is explicitly the opposite: it requires ACT/SAT-equivalent-level academic rigor documented through GPA thresholds (3.5 overall/3.4 prep-course), a successful committee interview, active participation in the Pre-Pharmacy Club every semester, and zero disciplinary conduct violations - losing EAP eligibility at any point during the two-year prepharmacy sequence (e.g., dropping below the required 3.0 semester GPA) forfeits the guaranteed PharmD seat entirely, reverting the student to the standard competitive PharmCAS pool.
Samford University Profile
Full Name
Samford University
City
Birmingham
State
Alabama
ZIP Code
35229-2240
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Samford University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Samford University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Samford University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Samford University is $69,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.68%.
How much does a degree from Samford University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Samford University is $53,934. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Samford University is much less than this.
10.8% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 28.7 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Samford University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Samford University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Samford University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Samford University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $58,469. An average Samford University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Samford University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | 1184 | 24 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls, GA | 1155 | 23 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Honolulu, HI | 1155 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Samford University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Samford University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Samford University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Samford University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $58,469 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $53,934 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
10.8% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Samford University is 82.2% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.84. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.54, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.54, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.44 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.84, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Samford University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1203 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1070–1260.
The application deadline for Samford University is November 1 for Early Action applicants.
The application fee for Samford University is 50. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.