How is the semester set up for undergraduate day students?
The fall semester at Samford runs from the last week in August to mid-December. The spring semester begins the second week in January and runs until late April. Finally, there is a May Term that begins the first week of May and ends before Memorial Day. We also offer three Summer Terms, two terms lasting five-weeks in both June and July and one term lasting ten weeks that begins the first week of June and ends by the first week of August.
Can I live on campus?
To maximize the University experience, all unmarried undergraduates under the age of 21 are required to reside in University housing, unless they live at home with a family member.
What can I bring for my residence hall?
What you pack is really up to you, read more about what to bring and what not to bring at samford.edu/residence-life.
May I have a car on campus?
Yes. All cars must be registered with the Department of Public Safety. Parking decals are purchased and distributed according to the area of campus where the student lives and additional sections are reserved for commuter students.
What does it mean to be a Christian university?
Mission of Samford University: The mission of Samford University is to nurture persons in their development of intellect, creativity, faith and personhood. As a Christian university, the community fosters academic, career and ethical competency while encouraging social and civic responsibility and service to others.
Vision of Samford University: Anchored in Christian understanding, Samford University will be a diverse community, stressing vigorous learning and personal faith, in the Baptist tradition. Within that commonality, the community will be innovative in teaching, learning and research; sensitive to global issues; aggressive in self-assessment and continuous improvement. Faithful to its mission, Samford will be known and acknowledged worldwide by holding to its core values. The world will be better for it.
Where can I eat on campus?
Samford offers The Caf, Einstein’s Bros. Bagels, Bulldog Express (Seibert), Freshens Fresh Food Studio and the Food Court (Chick-fil-A, Moe’s Southwest Grill, O’Henry’s Coffee, Farm2U Burger, City Bowls, Hissho Sushi). Meal plans are available in 4 varieties. After purchasing a plan, students simply take their Samford card to each of the on-campus food concepts to receive the meals purchased. Samford offers a variety of food options for many different tastes and diets.
What opportunities are there to study abroad?
Samford has a Study Centre in London and Finca de Samford in Costa Rica. Samford students can also be found studying in Morocco, France, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Hong Kong and more. If there's a place you want to go, we can probably set up something for you!
What are the average GPA and SAT/ACT test scores?
Samford’s scholarship and admission process is holistic, so we do not have set minimum scores for admission and scholarships. The middle 50% of admitted students had average scores of:
- 3.48-4.10 GPA
- 23-29 ACT score
- 1130-1350 SAT score
Do I qualify to receive Dual Enrollment Credit?
The maximum aggregate total credit an entering freshman may bring to Samford through dual enrollment, extension, correspondence, Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) or the International Baccalaureate Program (IB) is 30 hours.
Transferred coursework must be comparable to Samford courses offered at the 100 and 200 level. Only one core curriculum course (UCR 101) may be transferred as dual enrollment credit. As always, we invite you to contact your admission counselor with additional questions.
See how my courses may transfer
How many majors does Samford have? Do you have my program?
Samford has 178 majors, minors and concentrations. Learn more to see if we have the program you are looking for!
How do scholarships work at Samford?
Samford offers a variety of scholarships based on many factors. We award scholarships by looking at the holistic person. Learn more to see which scholarship you could apply for.
What if I’m a transfer or international student?
We have students from 16 countries, 45 states and Puerto Rico, so we're not strangers to this process. Our hope is that our welcoming community will make you feel at home at Samford!
What do I need to know as a parent?
You need to know that your student will be safe, cared for, academically challenged and provided with opportunities to develop his or her talents to impact the world. In our nurturing and community-driven environment, our faculty and staff work our hardest to make sure your student knows they are treasured. Parents are welcome to contact their regional Admission Counselor with any questions regarding the admission and scholarship process. Once you become a Samford Parent, our Office of Parent and Family Programs provides ways for you to meet other parents, send care packages to your child and offers service opportunities.
How do I visit campus? Where is it?
Samford University is right in the heart of Homewood, 10 minutes from downtown Birmingham, Alabama. A booming city surrounded by forestry makes for a stunning location, situated only a few hours from Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville with an international airport close by. Schedule your campus visit and feel free to bring the whole family!
What’s living in Birmingham like?
Birmingham is recognized for being a hotspot for education, finance and healthcare. It is also one of the nation’s top “foodie” cities. You’ll never run out of places to eat – from fine dining to hole-in-the-walls.
Do you have Division I sports?
Samford has 17 NCAA Division I sports and a thriving athletics program.
When will I find out if I have been admitted?
Early Action applicants who meet the November 1 deadline will be notified in early November. Students who select the Rolling Admission plan will be notified on a rolling basis after Early Action decisions are released (typically beginning in December).
When will I find out what my scholarships are?
The 1st scholarship deadline is December 1 with notification beginning mid-December. The 2nd scholarship deadline is February 15. Final awards are released in early March.
What percentage of students are from out of state?
77% of entering freshman are from out of state.
