Discover Samford University, a top-ranked Christian institution in Birmingham, AL. Explore our academic excellence, vibrant student life, and commitment to faith and service.
Samford is a leading nationally ranked Christian university renowned for excellence, small enough to foster intentional connections, big enough to offer robust opportunities and committed to cultivating students’ foundational faith.
All prospective undergraduate students must first apply for admission to the university. Note that a few undergraduate programs require additional applications, auditions or interviews. Graduate program application processes vary by school. Visit the individual program pages to learn about them.
Samford University has been a pillar for educating with strength and purpose since 1841. We encourage you to take the next step and tell us about yourself. We look forward to providing you with more information about Samford and our outstanding programs.
The best way to experience the Samford spirit is to meet our people and walk our campus. Students interested in our undergraduate programs can choose from a variety of opportunities just for them. Graduate programs often host open houses with ample opportunities to ask questions. Explore their program pages for details.
Samford alumni include more than 60 members of the U.S. Congress, eight state governors, two U.S. Supreme Court justices, a Secretary of State, four Rhodes Scholars, multiple Emmy and Grammy award-winning artists, two national championship football coaches, and recipients of the Pulitzer and Nobel Peace prizes.
Athletics
The university fields 17 NCAA Division I varsity sports—eight men’s and nine women’s—that compete in the historic Southern Conference. Ranked first in Alabama, Samford’s athletic teams consistently rank among the highest NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) scores in the nation.
University News
Birmingham-Southern Transfers: ‘Samford Was There When We Needed It the Most’
Two years ago, Samford University moved academic mountains to accommodate displaced students from Birmingham-Southern College. Another group of those transfers recently graduated.
Celebrating 2026 Spring Commencement: 'Samford continues to thrive'
More than 1,400 students received their degrees, including Shannon Charis Boutwell receiving the President's Cup and Trinity Elizabeth Phillips receiving the Velma Irons Award.