Samford University

No, Samford is relatively accessible: it admitted about 82.4% of roughly 4,600 applicants in the most recent cycle, or about 3,755 offers. Admission is still holistic, and enrolled first-years are strong students, averaging about a 3.88 high school GPA, so a solid academic record matters more than clearing a competitive bar.

Enrolled first-years at Samford average about a 3.88 high school GPA, with 42% reporting a 4.0. Academic GPA is weighed as a very important admission factor and there is no published minimum, but the strongest applicants carry mostly A grades in a rigorous course load.

No, Samford is test-optional, so you can apply without submitting scores. Among enrolled first-years who did submit, the middle 50% scored 1080–1240 on the SAT and 22–28 on the ACT; about 66% of the class submitted an ACT and 25% an SAT, and scores are weighed as an important factor when sent.

Yes, a 1200 is competitive at Samford and sits in the upper half of enrolled first-years, whose middle 50% scored 1080–1240 with a median near 1150. Because Samford is test-optional, a score in or above that band strengthens an application but is not required, and grades carry more weight in review.

Yes, Samford is a private Christian university with Baptist roots, and faith is woven into campus life. Religious affiliation is not used as an admission factor, so students of any background can apply, and the university enrolls about 4,200 undergraduates.

Tuition and required fees run about $41,910 per year, with food and housing adding roughly $14,260 on top. About 46% of first-years receive need-based scholarship or grant aid, the average need-based package is around $27,660, and Samford meets about 78% of demonstrated need on average.

Health professions are by far the most popular area at about 33% of bachelor's degrees, reflecting Samford's strength in nursing and pharmacy, followed by business and marketing at roughly 21%. Communication, the visual and performing arts, education, and psychology round out the most-conferred fields.

Yes, Samford rates the application essay as a very important factor in its holistic review, alongside academic GPA and recommendations. With test scores only weighed as important and a test-optional policy in place, a specific, well-revised essay is one of the clearest ways to strengthen an application.

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