Blending another record-breaking freshman class with extraordinary student retention success, Samford University opened the 2026 fall semester with 6,522 students, the largest enrollment in its 185-year history.
This sustains an impressive growth trajectory for Samford, where enrollment has increased by more than 40% since 2009.
“The Samford experience—where students thrive intellectually and find their calling on a Christ-centered campus—is increasingly unique in the landscape of higher education,” said Jason Black, the university’s vice president for enrollment management. “Demand is strong, as evidenced by another record-setting freshman class that arrived this fall. Samford’s retention success speaks to the faithfully devoted faculty and support staff who encourage these future leaders to flourish.”
The university once again welcomed its largest freshman class with 1,271 first-year students, a 9.8% increase from 2025’s previous record of 1,156.
“Samford’s enrollment growth parallels a trend of applicants boasting some of the most impressive academic profiles we’ve ever seen,” said university President Beck A. Taylor. “High-achieving students value Samford. They seek a transformational education on a residential campus where they’ll be nurtured, motivated and equipped to lead lives of meaning and purpose.”
Samford’s 4,575 undergraduate students also represent an all-time high.
“Samford’s enrollment growth parallels a trend of applicants boasting some of the most impressive academic profiles we’ve ever seen."
— Samford President Beck A. Taylor
The university’s 88.93% freshmen-to-sophomore retention rate dramatically surpasses the nationwide retention average of 68%, according to National Student Clearinghouse data.
A snapshot of Samford’s enrollment for 2026:
- Students from 46 states plus Puerto Rico are represented, along with 12 countries.
- 62.2% of students come from outside Alabama.
- 76.3% of first-year students come from outside Alabama.
- Samford welcomes 104 transfer students.
- The number of freshman students entering Brock School of Business climbed 23% from last year, with Orlean Beeson School of Education rising 16% and the School of Health Professions increasing by 14%.
During the past three years, Samford completed more than $300 million worth of infrastructure enhancements—highlighted by four new residence halls, the Campus Recreation, Wellness & Athletic Complex, and a remodeled University Center dining hall that received national acclaim for its tech-savvy innovations.
“These campus investments allow Samford to compete for exceptional students on the global stage,” Taylor said. “With a freshman class that has grown 30% over the last five years, the momentum is accelerating. We’re so grateful for the Lord’s blessings and the trust that families place in Samford University.”
Samford University garnered three top 10 rankings in The Wall Street Journal 2026 Best Colleges list, highlighted by a No. 3 national ranking for quality of career preparation. Samford ranked No. 5 among Most Recommended Colleges and placed No. 7 nationally for colleges with strongest Learning Opportunities. Samford also is ranked 35th in the nation by US News & World Report for the quality of undergraduate teaching.
