Samford University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~83%
- Middle 50% ACT: 27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1225
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Below the typical ranges: Samford is test-optional, so you can still get in—but merit drops off fast. Focus on GPA, rigor, and showing strong involvement. Be prepared for this to be a higher-cost option unless need-based aid kicks in.
- In the typical ranges: This is the sweet spot for solid merit ($13K–$18K range). Apply early (by Dec 1) and submit your strongest test score if it helps—this is where families can meaningfully reduce the price.
- Well above the ranges: You’ll likely land top automatic merit, but don’t expect a full-tuition offer. Samford rewards strong students—but not at the “free ride” level—so compare net price carefully against publics offering bigger packages.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Samford University at a Glance
- No true full-tuition safety net: Even top students typically receive $13K–$17.5K per year—not full tuition. This is a discount school, not a “free” school, so families need to plan around a higher remaining cost.
- Top programs don’t add big scholarship money: Leadership and Scholars programs are selective and valuable—but they focus on experience and mentorship, not stacking large additional dollars.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Samford University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 27; SAT: 1225.
Average net price? About $30,795/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
Micah Fellows program page: https://www.samford.edu/programs/undergraduate/micah-fellows/
University scholarship page: https://www.samford.edu/admission/scholarships
Legacy League scholarships page: https://www.samford.edu/legacyleague/scholarships
School of the Arts music admission page: https://www.samford.edu/arts/music/admission
Preministerial Scholars program page: https://www.samford.edu/arts-and-sciences/preministerial-scholars-program
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Samford University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $40,760 | $40,760 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $16,470 | $16,470 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $57,230 | $57,230 |
Average Federal Net Price: $30,795 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Because Samford is a private university, there’s no in-state/out-of-state price difference and no WUE or reciprocity programs. Families should focus on institutional scholarships and need-based aid instead.
Cost of Attendance FAQ
Who sets the COA?
Samford publishes standard budgets each year based on tuition, housing, meals, and allowances for books, travel, and personal expenses.
Why is the net price so much lower than the sticker price?
Because most students receive scholarships or grants. The “average net price” reflects the real out-of-pocket cost after that aid is applied.
Does Samford offer in-state discounts?
No. As a private university, the price is the same for all students, but merit scholarships can significantly reduce costs.
Some competitive or need-based scholarships may also require the CSS Profile,
so be sure to check Samford’s instructions.
Samford Estimated Undergraduate COA – https://www.samford.edu/departments/files/Financial_Services/2025-26-Estimated-Undergraduate-Cost-of-Attendance-Fall-Spring.pdf
Samford Undergraduate Tuition & Fees – https://www.samford.edu/admission/tuition-and-fees
Samford Financial Aid Overview – https://www.samford.edu/admission/financial-aid
College Scorecard (Average Net Price $30,795) – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?102049-Samford-University
BigFuture (Archived Net Price $32,176) – https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/samford-university/tuition-and-costs
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Samford automatically reviews admitted students for several major scholarships—no extra app required for most. Values shown reflect current official averages; actual offers depend on academics, test score policy, and up-to-date funding.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosland Scholarship | Avg. $17,500–$18,000/yr | Competitive test score (≥26 ACT/1240 SAT) and/or strong GPA; holistic review for test-optional applicants; not stackable with Marion. | No | Yes (up to 8 semesters, good standing) | Admits with high A-/A averages and rigorous high-school transcripts | Dec 1 (priority); Feb 15 (final) |
| Marion Scholarship | Avg. $13,000/yr | HS GPA ≥3.0 for freshman or ≥3.0 college GPA (24+ credits) for transfers; holistic review; mutually exclusive with Crosland. | No | Yes (up to 8 semesters, good standing) | Solid B+/A- admits with consistent academics; best for test-optional | Dec 1 (priority); Feb 15 (final) |
| Marvin Mann Academic Excellence (National Merit Finalist) | Up to $10,000/yr | National Merit Finalist, choose Samford as first choice with NMSC; may stack with other NM funding or semi award | No (designation via NMSC) | Yes (up to 8 semesters, good standing) | Named Finalists with strong standing and official NMSC designation | Dec 1; Feb 15 (if space remains) |
| National Merit Semifinalist | $1,000/yr | National Merit Semifinalist who picks Samford as first choice; must enroll full time and maintain 3.0+ Samford GPA | No (via NMSC) | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Semifinalists who notify NMSC/Samford in time | Dec 1; Feb 15 |
| Marvin Mann Legacy | $1,000/yr | Samford (or Howard College) family alumni/parent/student; indicate on app; stackable with main merit scholarships | No (indicate on admission app) | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Admits with official alumni/legacy connection, any major | Dec 1; Feb 15 |
| Marvin Mann Ministry Dependent | $3,500/yr | Dependent of parent/guardian in full-time paid Christian ministry; documentation required; stackable with merit | No (document at admission/FAFSA) | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Any major; must validate parent’s ministry status each year | Dec 1; Feb 15 |
| Davis Scholarship | $2,000/yr | Community engagement/leadership, any major. Stackable. Requires “competitive” high school (not transfer) academics at application | No (automatic with admission) | Yes (up to 8 semesters, good standing) | First-year students with service/leadership award/experiences | Dec 1 |
Amounts above are current averages/caps. Crosland and Marion are mutually exclusive; Legacy, Ministry, and Davis awards are stackable. Stacking and total caps per official award letter. All Samford scholarships renew for students in good academic/social standing and full-time status.
Samford is a National Merit sponsor. See university and NMSC sites for current details on how to designate your first-choice school for full consideration.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do these require a separate app? No—admission application is sufficient for most awards. Legacy/Ministry awards require family documentation; National Merit awards use NMSC notification.
Are scores required for merit? Samford is test-optional, but submitting strong scores can boost scholarship levels, especially for Crosland. SAT is superscored for merit; ACT is not superscored for scholarships but is for admission.
What are key deadlines? Dec 1 is the main merit deadline; Feb 15 is the late/final deadline for limited awards/funds.
Values and eligibility are subject to annual update and budget limits; confirm specifics with your official Samford award letter each cycle.
https://www.samford.edu/admission/scholarships
https://www.samford.edu/admission/how-to-apply
https://www.samford.edu/beinvolved/scholarship-opportunities/
https://catalog.samford.edu/
https://www.samford.edu/departments/financial-services/
https://www.samford.edu/business/scholarships/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (highly competitive university-level)
These are Samford’s selective, university-level scholarships that require extra steps beyond admission (separate application, leadership/service documentation, sometimes essays/interview). They are awarded to a limited cohort each year and are distinct from automatic merit awards.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What makes it competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davis Scholarship | $2,000/year | Application with strong record of community engagement, superior service/leadership outside grades alone; only a limited number awarded to incoming freshmen each year. | Entering freshmen; demonstrated commitment to service and leadership in high school, strong academic record | Yes—application required after Samford/Common App admission submission | Yes (renewable if academic standards and code of values are maintained, up to 8 semesters) | New freshmen with demonstrated, substantial service and leadership who write strong applications and maintain campus standards |
No other university-level competitive/flagship scholarships requiring special steps are published for the freshman cohort at Samford. Additional competitive awards are offered by academic departments, the university fellows program, or the honors college (see those sections for details).
Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships FAQ
Does the Davis Scholarship stack? Yes, it typically stacks with other non-mutually-exclusive university awards, though total Samford aid is subject to institutional caps and final award letter conditions.
Are leadership/service a real factor for competitive awards? Absolutely; Davis applicants are specifically evaluated for significant extracurricular leadership, service, and campus fit—not just GPA/test score.
When do I apply? Once you submit the Common App or Samford app for admission, log into your Application Status Page for access to scholarship applications. Priority deadline: December 1.
https://www.samford.edu/admission/scholarships
https://catalog.samford.edu/
https://www.samford.edu/beinvolved/scholarship-opportunities/
🎖️ Honors College
Samford’s Honors College is a small, selective academic community with separate application and interview requirements. The college offers two signature tracks: University Fellows (Great Books/core honors) and Micah Fellows (service-based honors). While there is no automatic “Honors College” scholarship, students in these cohorts routinely earn the best academic awards and receive dedicated enrichment funding, study abroad, and unique faculty mentorship.
Minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA, ACT 28+ (or SAT 1300+ or CLT 92+), challenging courses, a passion for reading and discussion, and significant service/leadership. Strong essays and teacher recommendations required.
University Fellows: rigorous Great Books curriculum, Italy study trip (sophomore year), enrichment funding, and priority registration.
Micah Fellows: four-year service learning, leadership development, mentored internships, funded travel (including international service), and distinctive community connection.
All tracks: supportive advising, access to competitive fellowships, and research/program enrichment funding.
| Program | What It Offers | Separate App? | Scholarship Component | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Fellows | Great Books core, faculty mentoring, enrichment/travel funds (including Italy), exclusive seminars, priority registration | Yes—application, teacher rec, competitive essay, interview for finalists | No direct fellowship award, but most Fellows receive major merit (e.g., Crosland); dedicated travel/enrichment funds provided | Top academic performers, writers, and readers with advanced leadership/service | Dec 1 (apply), Feb interview |
| Micah Fellows | Four-year service honors: social justice focus, mentored service, leadership curriculum, funded travel (domestic/international) | Yes—résumé, essay, service record, and faculty rec | Micah Fellows Scholarship (amount not published; supports program expenses and travel) | High-service, community engaged students with academic and leadership distinction | Dec 1 (apply), Feb interview |
Honors College at Samford functions as an add-on to core academic scholarships. Fellows and Micah students are eligible for merit scholarships like Crosland, National Merit, and Davis. Cohort funds, enrichment stipends, and research or travel support are program-specific and renewable with participation.
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic? No—separate application, essays, and recommendations are required; finalists are interviewed for selection.
Are there extra scholarships just for Honors? No central Honors scholarship, but program-specific awards/funding exist (especially for Micah Fellows and for travel/study/research in both tracks).
Can any major participate? Yes—both programs are open to all majors, though reading- and writing-intensive STEM students should plan carefully for the Fellows curriculum.
Does Honors add time to degree? No—the curriculum is designed to fit four-year plans; capstones and study abroad are accommodated within degree maps.
https://www.samford.edu/honors/university-fellows
https://www.samford.edu/honors/micah-fellows
https://www.samford.edu/admission/scholarships
https://catalog.samford.edu/
https://www.samford.edu/arts/italy-study-abroad
https://www.samford.edu/news/university-fellows
⭐ College Specialty
Samford is a private Christian university in Birmingham that has carved out a reputation for preparing graduates in fields where licensure and outcomes really matter. Parents often look at Samford because of its blend of faith-based mission, small-class feel, and programs that punch above their weight in state and national rankings.
- Trial Advocacy (Cumberland School of Law): Ranked #4 nationally by U.S. News for Trial Advocacy (2025) and #2 in Gavel Rankings (2024–25).
- Accounting (Brock School of Business): 78.3% first-time CPA pass rate (2023), the highest in Alabama and among the top 5% nationally.
- Pharmacy (McWhorter School of Pharmacy): Strong NAPLEX and MPJE pass rates, consistently above national averages, with high employment outcomes.
📎 Official Links
- Samford University — Homepage
- Honors College — University Fellows & Micah Fellows
- Undergraduate Scholarships
- Financial Aid (Student Financial Services)