Samford University

Overview

English Name: Samford University

Acronyms: SU

Founded: 1841

Control Type: Private

Entity Type: Non-profit

Religious Affiliation: Christian-Baptist

World Rank: #3989

Rank in United States: #427

Motto: For God, For Learning, Forever

Colours: Red and blue

Mascot: Bulldogs

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Founded in 1841, the Samford University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Birmingham (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Alabama.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Samford University (SU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Baptist religion. Samford University (SU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 183-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

SU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Where to find Samford University, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links. Confirm the published channels here are current before sending application materials.

Academic Details

Samford University's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.

Academic Structures

The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Samford University's academic architecture are listed below. Knowing which unit hosts your subject helps locate the relevant admissions team.

Programs Offered

Below are Samford University's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.

How to apply to Samford University

A practical five-step guide to applying to Samford University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.

1. 1
   Identify the right programme

   Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Samford University offers 113 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

2. 2
   Check entry requirements

   Each programme at Samford University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

3. 3
   Prepare your application documents

   Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

4. 4
   Submit via the institution

   Apply directly via Samford University's online portal at www.samford.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

5. 5
   Get in touch with admissions

   After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (205) 726 2011. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Samford University

Common questions students ask about Samford University — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

National rankings in the United States often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Tuition reciprocity exists in some National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) networks, where members charge in-network rates for student exchanges. Worth checking specific bilateral terms within the broader membership.

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg · Public · Rank #21

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Baptist

Religious leadership opportunities (chaplaincy student programmes, community-led initiatives) are commonly available at Christian-Baptist universities. Worth investigating at the peers below if leadership development matters.

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg · Private · Rank #830

Baylor University

Waco · Private · Rank #1024

Campbell University

Buies Creek · Private · Rank #2827

BE

Bethel University

Saint Paul · Private · Rank #4609

East Texas Baptist University

Marshall · Private · Est. 1912

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Geographic neighbours to Samford University appear below — each worth considering if location is part of your decision. Nearby institutions tend to share academic calendars, making cross-applications less complex.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham · Public · Est. 1969

Jefferson State Community College

Birmingham · Public · Est. 1965

Lawson State Community College

Birmingham · Public · Est. 1949

Where Else to Study Religious Studies

Religious Studies is taught at multiple universities across the United States — these alternatives to Samford University are worth weighing. Each programme reflects different academic traditions, industry connections, and research priorities.

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

Emory University

Atlanta · Private · Rank #94

Boston University

Boston · Private · Rank #116

Universities Often Compared with Samford University

Faculty mobility between Samford University and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.

University of Wisconsin–River Falls

River Falls · Public · Rank #3989

UN

University of Houston - Clear Lake

Houston · Rank #3979

The College of Wooster

Wooster · Private · Rank #3979

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti · Public · Rank #4000

Seattle University

Seattle · Private · Rank #3962