Samford University is Alabama's top-ranked private university. Located in suburban Birmingham, Samford has more than 5,700 students studying in 31 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
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.
In the Nation for Student Character Development
—Wall Street Journal (2025)
97%
Undergraduate Alumni Working or in Further Study Within Six Months
#8
In the Nation for Career Preparation
—Wall Street Journal (2025)
#6
In the Nation for Student-Athlete Graduation Success Rate (Tied) NCAA Division I
Samford Unveils $85 Million Recreation, Wellness & Athletic Complex
The massive four-story complex marks a milestone in Samford's ambitious plan to enrich campus life and elevate its national profile as a top residential university.
Samford alumni include more than 60 members of the U.S. Congress, 8 state governors, 2 U.S. Supreme Court justices, a Secretary of State, 4 Rhodes Scholars, multiple Emmy and Grammy award-winning artists, 2 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 earned a 98% Graduation Success Rate (GSR) by the NCAA.
University News
Prayer Over Perfection: Meet Dave Cimbora, Samford's New Provost
Dave Cimbora, Samford’s new provost and vice president for academic affairs, possesses a PhD in clinical psychology, a black belt in Jiu Jitsu, and an engaging transparency that makes him the most wide-open of books.
Samford Unveils $85 Million Recreation, Wellness & Athletics Complex That 'Stands Among the Best' Facilities in the Nation
The massive four-story complex marks a milestone in Samford's ambitious plan to enrich campus life and elevate its national profile as a top residential university.