Samford University, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is a prominent private Christian university known for its commitment to academic excellence and the development of ethical leaders. Founded in 1841, Samford is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state. The university houses a wide range of academic programs, with over 175 areas of study across its nine schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the Howard College of Arts and Sciences, and the Cumberland School of Law. Samford's strong emphasis on liberal arts education fosters critical thinking and prepares students for diverse career paths.

The campus culture at Samford is vibrant and engaging, deeply rooted in Christian values. The university's motto, "For God, for learning, forever," reflects its mission to integrate faith and learning. Samford's commitment to community service is evident through various outreach programs, encouraging students to apply their knowledge for the benefit of others. The beautiful, wooded campus offers state-of-the-art facilities, including a modern library and advanced research centers, enhancing the academic experience. Additionally, Samford boasts a dynamic athletic program, competing in NCAA Division I sports and fostering school spirit among students and alumni. With a strong network of successful graduates, Samford University prepares its students not only for professional achievements but also for lifelong contributions to their communities and beyond.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Samford University

Samford University, a private institution, has exhibited significant trends in several important metrics over recent years. One of the most concerning aspects is the increase in tuition costs for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2024, tuition increased from $26,328 to $38,144, indicating a substantial 44.8% rise within a decade. High tuition can be a barrier for many prospective students, potentially limiting access to higher education.

On a more positive note, the university's graduation rates have shown a notable improvement. The percentage of students graduating on time has risen from approximately 51.2% in 2014 to 68.1% in 2024. This increase suggests enhancing academic support and student engagement initiatives, which can be pivotal in helping students achieve their educational goals.

Retention rates have also seen a positive upward trend, jumping from around 86.7% in 2014 to 90.9% in 2023. High retention rates often reflect student satisfaction and institutional support, which can be vital for maintaining enrollment and fostering a thriving academic community.

Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has shifted slightly, with the proportion of male undergraduates decreasing from approximately 35% in 2014 to about 32.3% in 2023. This trend may reflect broader changes in societal perceptions regarding gender and education, and the university might want to consider strategies to attract a more balanced gender demographic in its student body.

In conclusion, while the rising tuition at Samford University poses a challenge, the improvements in graduation and retention rates are encouraging indicators of the university's commitment to student success. Addressing gender balance remains an important consideration for fostering an inclusive educational environment.

Trends in Graduate Numbers at Samford University 2023

The graduation data from Samford University in 2023 reveals some interesting trends across different fields of study. Notably, the Pharmaceutics and Business Administration programs show a significant number of graduates with 66 and 57 graduates respectively at the bachelor level. This indicates strong interest and demand in the field of healthcare and business which aligns with current job market trends that prioritize skills in these areas.

Furthermore, the analysis reveals a clear lack of international diversity at both the undergraduate and master's levels within many programs, particularly visible in the legal and health sciences fields where international graduates are almost absent. For example, there were no graduates from international students in law or pharmacy programs. This could point to a potential gap in attracting international talent, which is vital for enriching the educational environment and encouraging a global perspective.

Interestingly, while the doctorate programs have a noticeable number of graduates in fields such as law and pharmacy, the absence of graduates from the master's programs suggests that students may be strategically opting directly for advanced doctoral studies. This trend might reflect a shift in educational pathways among students, where pursuing higher qualifications is prioritized over intermediate degrees.

Overall, these findings indicate strong regional interests in specific fields while highlighting opportunities for growth in international enrollment and diverse educational participants, aspects which could be critical as institutions seek to enhance their global competitiveness.

Analysis of Samford University's Admissions Trends and Rankings

The data on Samford University's admissions and rankings presents an intriguing view of its evolving position in higher education. Notably, the university's rank declined from 127 in 2023 to 171 in 2025. This sharp drop reflects significant competitive pressures within the academic landscape, as many institutions continue to enhance their offerings and attract top talent. Examining the acceptance rates over the years, we observe fluctuations, particularly noteworthy is the rate of acceptance for male applicants, which peaked at approximately 92% in 2016. In comparison, the female acceptance rate peaked at around 94% that same year. However, recent years show a trend toward slightly more restrictive admission rates, with the male acceptance rate hovering around 79% and female acceptance aligned closely at approximately 80% in 2024. The number of enrolled students has generally increased, reaching a peak of 1080 in 2024. However, the corresponding numbers of denied applicants also surged, indicating a more competitive environment where prospective students face a challenging application process. The substantial number of deferred admissions speaks to the university's strategy to manage enrollment while considering the potential of applicants for future cohorts. As national conversations around educational quality and accessibility continue to evolve, these trends at Samford University illustrate the changing dynamics of college admissions and rank positioning. Institutions must balance maintaining high standards of education while fostering inclusivity in their admissions processes. Overall, Samford must navigate these challenges carefully to enhance its reputation and maintain appeal to prospective students.

Trends in SAT and ACT Scores at Samford University

Analyzing the admissions data from Samford University over the years reveals notable trends in both submission rates and scores of prospective students. The percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, peaking around 2007 and showing a gradual decline toward 2023. For instance, in 2007, 37% of admitted students submitted SAT scores, while this number decreased to just 26% by 2023. This trend may indicate a shift in the admissions process, reflecting a broader movement within higher education where universities are placing less emphasis on standardized testing.

The SAT reading and mathematics scores of the middle 50% of admitted students have shown variability as well. The lower quartile SAT reading score started at 530 in 2007, with upper quartile scores generally rising over the years, culminating at 570 in 2022. This reflects an increase in academic competitiveness and selectivity. However, a subsequent decrease in scores to 550 for 2023 suggests an inconsistency in maintaining high standards in recent admissions cycles.

The ACT scores also reflect a competitive admission environment, with the overall scores typically aligning with the SAT trends. The decline in test submissions may resonate with a growing belief that standardized tests do not wholly encapsulate a student's potential for success in college.

Overall, these trends may mirror ongoing national discussions about equity in college admissions and the desire for a more holistic review process that values diverse experiences and achievements beyond numerical test scores.

Student Demographics at Samford University in 2024

The demographic data of Samford University for the year 2024 reveals a diverse composition of students across different classifications. A significant aspect is the gender distribution, demonstrating a noteworthy trend among undergraduate and graduate students. For instance, the majority of undergraduate freshmen comprise 1080 students, with a gender ratio favoring female students at 65.5%, suggesting an increasing appeal of higher education among women. This pattern is consistent in undergraduate seniors as well, where female students represent 66.7% of the 2665 enrolled.

On the other hand, when looking at the transfer students' data, which includes a smaller cohort of 83, there is a strikingly higher proportion of male students at 55.4%. This could indicate a unique trend where male students may be seeking transfer opportunities from other institutions more actively than their female counterparts.

The graduate student population also skews towards females, with 67.5% of the 1959 enrolled students being women. This aligns with broader educational trends in many universities where women are increasingly obtaining advanced degrees and taking up roles in higher education and professional fields traditionally dominated by men.

In analyzing the ethnic diversity, white students remain the largest group across all categories, yet there is a varied representation of other ethnic backgrounds, particularly among graduate students, emphasizing the growing multicultural environment at Samford University. Overall, the data reflects a positive trajectory towards gender equality in higher education, along with a gradual movement toward inclusivity in terms of ethnic diversity.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Samford University

The student age demographics at Samford University showcase a diverse age range, particularly skewed towards younger undergraduate students. Those aged 18-19 comprise a significant portion of the population, with 568 male and 1,259 female undergraduates, highlighting a considerable female predominance in this age group. This trend appears consistent throughout younger demographics, suggesting that the institution attracts a substantial number of traditional-aged students pursuing their undergraduate education.

In the age groups of 20-21, the number of males remains relatively stable, while females account for a larger share among undergraduates. This pattern indicates not only a consistent enrollment of younger female students but potentially reflects broader societal trends encouraging higher education among women.

Interestingly, as we move into older age brackets—specifically those aged 22-24 and 25-29—a notable shift occurs. The number of graduate students increases significantly, particularly among males, which may be indicative of individuals opting to return to education for career advancement or a shift in career paths.

The data reveals very few students over the age of 30, suggesting that Samford may cater primarily to a younger audience, with traditional college-aged individuals making up the majority, while older individuals seem to be less common.

Overall, Samford University appears to maintain a robust undergraduate population, especially among younger women, while also fostering graduate programs that attract older students. This demographic diversity can enrich the learning environment and contribute positively to the university community.

International Student Trends at Samford University

The data from Samford University reveals a notable trend in the enrollment of international students over the years. From 2005 to 2024, there has been a gradual but inconsistent increase in the number of undergraduate international students, peaking at 97 students in both 2014 and 2015, only to experience a decline in subsequent years, with figures dropping significantly to 29 in 2024. This decline is concerning, as it indicates potential challenges in attracting international talent to the university, which could reflect broader trends affecting institutions across the United States, such as tightened visa policies and increasing competition from universities in other countries.

In contrast, the postgraduate international student numbers initially showed promise, reaching a peak of 96 students in 2013. However, similar to the undergraduate data, the number has dwindled to alarming lows in recent years, with just 12 enrolled in both 2023 and 2024. The graduate proportions also illustrate a continuous decline, with percentages that suggest a significant drop in interest from international postgraduate applicants.

These trends suggest that Samford University, along with many others, may need to reassess and potentially restructure its outreach strategies to international students to bolster enrollment figures. The fluctuating numbers raise questions about how global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, have influenced international student mobility. As higher education institutions increasingly view diversity as essential for academic success and cultural exchange, addressing these challenges will be vital for sustaining a vibrant international community on campus.

Here are some notable institutions surrounding Samford University:

1. University of Alabama at Birmingham - Ranked 136 in 2025, this comprehensive university is renowned for its research and health care programs.

2. The University of Alabama - With a rank of 171, this large public university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines.

3. Auburn University - Holding the 105th position, Auburn is well-known for its engineering, architecture, and business programs.

4. Emory University - An elite institution ranked 24th, Emory is recognized for its strong emphasis on research and public service.

5. Vanderbilt University - This prestigious university ranks 18th and is known for its exceptional academic programs and strong emphasis on student life.

6. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Ranked 33rd, Georgia Tech is particularly famous for its engineering and technology programs.

7. The University of the South - A liberal arts college ranked 45th, it offers a unique educational environment focused on personal and academic development.

These institutions provide a diverse range of educational opportunities, making the area around Samford University an excellent place for higher education.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Samford University (2013-2023)

The crime rates at Samford University over the past decade reveal a fluctuating pattern, indicating periods of both increasing and decreasing incidents. The average rate of recorded crimes per 1,000 students has experienced significant changes, with peaks observed in certain years. For instance, in 2018, the crime rate saw a notable increase, reaching 11.29 incidents per 1,000 students, which was the highest in the recorded period. This spike in offenses coincided with a rise in various types of arrests, particularly in drug-related offenses and campus disturbances.

Moreover, 2021 marked a sharp decline, with the crime rate dropping to 2.30 per 1,000 students. This reduction may reflect the impact of heightened campus security measures, increased awareness, or possibly changes in student behavior during the pandemic. It's also interesting to observe the consistent presence of arrests related to concealed carry, which highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety on campus.

In the latest years leading up to 2023, the university reported a gradual recovery in crime rates, suggesting that while incidents have been mitigated, continuous efforts in crime prevention strategies remain essential. Addressing issues such as alcohol and drug arrests remains critical, particularly as these incidents can significantly impact student safety and campus life. The overall trend highlights the importance of proactive measures and community awareness to foster a safe environment for all students.

For those interested in understanding how these crime rates are calculated, more information can be found at this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.