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.
The 87th oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, Samford University is a globally engaged teaching and research university rooted firmly in its vibrant Christian mission.
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.
Alabama's Top Ranked University—The Wall Street Journal
97%
NCAA Division I Graduation Success Rate
14:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
97%
Undergraduate Alumni Working or in Further Study Within Six Months
Academics
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health.
Alumni
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 97% Graduation Success Rate (GSR) by the NCAA.
University News
Author Charles Martin Talks About His Journey to Becoming a Writer and the Meaning of Success
In April, New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin spoke at Samford as the keynote speaker for the Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series.
As the family watched Beat Bobby Flay one afternoon, James Briscione ’01 strategized with wife Brooke Parkhurst, daughter Parker, 13, and son August, 6, only a few days before the chef would leave to compete on the Food Network culinary show.
Juneteenth, celebrated annually in the United States on June 19, is the oldest commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, Samford University celebrates its significance in our nation’s history.