Published on September 24, 2025  
Campus

U.S. News & World Report recognizes Samford University among the top universities in the country for Best Value and Best Undergraduate Teaching. These rankings place Samford first among all colleges and universities in the state of Alabama.

According to the 2026 rankings released Sept. 23, Samford ranks 35th in the country on the Best Undergraduate Teaching list. Samford is among elite company, ranked equivalent to Harvard University and Northwestern University, and is the highest-ranked university in Alabama.

The annual ranking of teaching quality was determined by college presidents, provosts and admissions deans around the country. Each nominated up to 15 schools within their U.S. News ranking categories for which they believed faculty and administrators were committed to teaching undergraduate students in a high-quality manner.

“Samford’s outstanding faculty members distinguish themselves through scholarly and creative output while enriching students with deep mentorship,” said Dave Cimbora, Samford provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Our university is graced by professors who challenge, invigorate and nurture our students.”

Samford also is recognized in the 2026 Best Value list, which ranks Samford 105th nationally and highest among all colleges and universities in Alabama. To calculate its Best Value ranking, U.S. News & World Report factors academic quality and the cost of attendance after accounting for total expenses and financial aid.

Considering there are over 2,600 four-year degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the U.S. recognized by the Department of Education, these rankings place Samford among the best universities in the country for quality teaching and value.

“Samford continues to be recognized as a leader in quality education, teaching and value, and we are pleased that it is ranked amongst the best universities in the country,” said Samford President Beck A. Taylor. “Although national rankings are just one measure of success, the recognition provides affirmation for our students, employees and alumni. As we continue to grow and thrive, we also celebrate the growing national reputation of our university.”

MORE: See the full list of 2026 rankings from U.S. News & World Report.  

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second-highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.