Samford University, a private Christian institution founded in 1841 in Birmingham, Alabama, blends a legacy of faith, academic excellence, and community service. Originally Howard College, it has grown through resilience—surviving war, fire, and relocation—into a nationally recognized university with 10 academic schools and over 150 programs.
With a student body of over 5,400 from 47 states and 29 countries, Samford boasts small class sizes, a vibrant campus life, strong community engagement, and competitive NCAA Division I athletics. Its notable alumni span politics, the arts, sports, and business. Supported by a robust endowment and strategic vision, Samford continues to expand its global and online offerings while remaining rooted in its Christian mission.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Samford University |
| Founded | 1841 (as Howard College) |
| Location | Homewood, Birmingham, Alabama, USA |
| Affiliation | Private, Christian (Baptist) |
| Student Enrollment | ~5,471 students |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 13:1 |
| Academic Units | 10 Schools/Colleges |
| Popular Majors | Nursing, Health Sciences, Accounting, Finance, Marketing |
| National Rankings | #185 National Universities (U.S. News 2024), #113 Best Value Schools |
| Athletics | NCAA Division I – 17 Varsity Teams (Southern Conference) |
| Campus Size | 247 acres, Georgian-Colonial architecture |
| Endowment | $443 million+ |
| Annual Economic Impact | $335.1 million |
| Notable Alumni | Politicians, artists, athletes, scholars, business leaders |
| Motto/Focus | Christ-centered education, faith, learning, and service |
| Study Abroad Programs | Daniel House (London), other global opportunities |
| Strategic Plan | Fidelitas: Faith and Future (launched 2022) |
Samford University: A Legacy of Faith, Learning, and Service in Birmingham
Nestled in suburban Birmingham, Alabama, Samford University stands as a prominent private Baptist institution with a rich history dating back to 1841. Originally chartered as Howard College, it is the 87th oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and has evolved into a nationally ranked Christian university renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and strong commitment to its Christian mission.
A Storied History of Resilience and Growth
Samford University’s journey has been marked by remarkable resilience and strategic growth. Founded by the Alabama Baptist State Convention as a college for men, Howard College overcame significant challenges, including two fires, the Civil War, and periods of financial turmoil. Its campus relocated twice, first to East Lake in 1887, then to its current Homewood location in 1957, with the construction of its distinctive Georgian-Colonial buildings beginning in 1953.
A pivotal moment in its history was the acquisition of the historic Cumberland School of Law in 1961, established in 1847. In 1965, Howard College attained university status and was renamed Samford University in honor of longtime trustee Frank Park Samford Sr., though the original name was retained for the College of Arts and Sciences. The university also embraced integration in 1967 with the enrollment of its first full-time African-American student. International study programs expanded significantly in 1984 with the purchase of the London Study Centre, now known as Daniel House. In 2013, Samford formed the College of Health Sciences, consolidating its nursing and pharmacy schools with new Schools of Health Professions and Public Health. The university continues to plan for the future, with a comprehensive strategic plan, Fidelitas: Faith and Future, adopted in 2022.
Academic Excellence and Diverse Programs
Samford University is recognized for its rigorous academic programs and a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:13, fostering a personalized learning environment. The university enrolls approximately 5,471 students from 47 states and 29 countries across 10 academic units:
- School of the Arts
- Howard College of Arts and Sciences
- Brock School of Business
- Beeson Divinity School
- Orlean Beeson School of Education
- School of Health Professions
- Cumberland School of Law
- Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy
- School of Public Health
Samford offers a wide array of academic programs, including 158 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations, as well as numerous graduate and professional degrees. Popular majors include Nursing, Health Service Preparatory Studies, Accounting, Finance, and Marketing. The university is also expanding its online offerings, providing flexible degree programs for non-traditional students and professionals.
Rankings and Recognition
Samford University consistently earns national recognition for its academic programs and value. It is widely regarded as Alabama’s top-ranked private university. Recent rankings include:
- U.S. News & World Report (2024): #185 in National Universities and #113 in Best Value Schools.
- Times Higher Education (2022): =184th in the US College Rankings.
- Forbes Inc., The Economist, and The Wall Street Journal: Consistently recognized as a top-ranked university in Alabama.
- Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, The Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction: Nationally ranked for academic programs, value, and affordability.
The Cumberland School of Law and the School of Education also consistently rank highly within their respective fields.
Vibrant Campus Life and Community Engagement
Samford’s campus in Homewood, Alabama, offers a blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. Student life is enriched by a wide range of activities and opportunities. The university provides diverse housing options, including traditional dorm rooms and suites.
Community engagement is a cornerstone of the Samford experience, rooted in its Christian mission. The Office of Community Engagement provides numerous opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to serve the greater Birmingham area and beyond. Programs like “Samford Gives Back” and “Community Cadres” facilitate meaningful connections with non-profit organizations, promoting service, mutual learning, and a long-term commitment to the community. Over 100 registered student organizations cater to diverse interests, offering leadership training and support to enhance the co-curricular experience.
Dedicated to Athletics
The Samford Bulldogs comprise 17 varsity teams (8 men’s and 9 women’s) that compete in NCAA Division I athletics. The university is a proud member of the Southern Conference (SoCon), having joined in 2008. Samford athletics has a strong track record, boasting over 80 conference championships and producing numerous athletes who have gone on to professional sports. Key athletic facilities include Pete Hanna Stadium for football and the Pete Hanna Center for basketball.
Research and Innovation
Samford University encourages and supports faculty and student research across various disciplines. Recent initiatives include a program focused on deepening faith and vocational exploration during study abroad experiences, funded by a grant from NetVUE. This project, “Vocational Exploration and Spiritual Practices Abroad (VESPA),” aims to provide structured reflection tools for students to connect their academic learning with personal and spiritual growth while immersed in global contexts.
Notable Alumni
Samford University boasts a distinguished alumni network exceeding 48,000 individuals who have made significant contributions across diverse fields. Among its notable alumni are:
- Political figures: Over 60 U.S. congressmen, seven state governors, and two U.S. Supreme Court justices.
- Arts and Entertainment: Emmy and Grammy Award-winning artists (e.g., Tony Hale, Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town), international opera stars (e.g., Elizabeth Futral), and Pulitzer Prize-nominated authors and poets.
- Sports: Two national championship football coaches (e.g., Bobby Bowden), and numerous professional athletes in various sports.
- Academics and Business: Leaders in education, healthcare, and finance.
Economic Impact and Endowment
Samford University significantly contributes to the state of Alabama’s economy, with an annual economic impact of $335.1 million. The university’s endowment has also seen substantial growth, reaching $443,471,031 as of the most recent available data, ranking it among the largest endowments in Alabama.
Samford University continues its mission to provide a Christ-centered education, nurturing students’ intellect, creativity, faith, and personality, and preparing them to make a meaningful impact on the world.
FAQs about Samford University
What is Samford University known for?
Samford University is known for its strong Christian mission, academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and commitment to community service.
Where is Samford University located?
Samford is located in Homewood, a suburban area of Birmingham, Alabama.
When was Samford University founded?
Samford was founded in 1841 as Howard College, making it the 87th oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S.
What is the religious affiliation of Samford University?
Samford is a private Christian university affiliated with the Baptist tradition.
How many students attend Samford University?
Approximately 5,471 students are enrolled, representing 47 U.S. states and 29 countries.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Samford?
The university maintains a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized education.
What academic programs are offered at Samford University?
Samford offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 academic units, including nursing, pharmacy, law, education, and business.
What are the most popular majors at Samford University?
Popular majors include Nursing, Health Service Preparatory Studies, Accounting, Finance, and Marketing.
Does Samford University have graduate programs?
Yes, Samford offers numerous graduate and professional degrees through its schools of law, divinity, pharmacy, health sciences, and more.
Is Samford University nationally ranked?
Yes, it is consistently ranked among the top national universities and best value schools by U.S. News & World Report and other publications.
What athletic programs does Samford offer?
Samford competes in NCAA Division I as a member of the Southern Conference, with 17 varsity teams.
What is the campus like at Samford University?
The campus features Georgian-Colonial architecture and is set on 247 acres in a suburban area, offering modern amenities and scenic surroundings.
Does Samford University offer study abroad opportunities?
Yes, Samford has robust international programs, including Daniel House in London, and promotes global learning experiences.
When did Samford become a university?
Howard College became Samford University in 1965, named after longtime trustee Frank Park Samford Sr.
Is Samford University diverse?
Samford has taken steps toward inclusion, enrolling its first full-time African-American student in 1967 and maintaining a global student body today.
What is the economic impact of Samford University?
Samford contributes $335.1 million annually to Alabama’s economy.
How large is Samford’s endowment?
As of the latest data, Samford’s endowment exceeds $443 million, among the largest in Alabama.
Does Samford support student research?
Yes, Samford promotes faculty and student research across disciplines and supports projects like VESPA to integrate faith and academic exploration.
What is the strategic vision of Samford University?
Samford’s strategic plan, “Fidelitas: Faith and Future,” guides the university’s mission-focused growth and innovation.
What types of housing are available at Samford?
The university offers traditional dorms and suite-style housing options for students.
How can students get involved on campus?
Over 100 student organizations, leadership opportunities, and community service initiatives like “Samford Gives Back” enrich student life.
What is Samford’s approach to community engagement?
Rooted in its Christian mission, Samford emphasizes service and civic engagement through partnerships with local and global organizations.
What are some notable Samford alumni?
Alumni include U.S. congressmen, state governors, Supreme Court justices, Grammy and Emmy winners, professional athletes, and business leaders.
Is Samford University affordable?
While private, Samford is frequently recognized for its value and offers financial aid and scholarships to make education more accessible.
How competitive is admission to Samford University?
Admission is moderately selective, with emphasis on academic achievement, leadership, and alignment with the university’s values.
Does Samford offer online degree programs?
Yes, the university is expanding flexible online programs for non-traditional students and working professionals.
What is the Cumberland School of Law?
Founded in 1847 and acquired by Samford in 1961, it is one of the oldest law schools in the U.S. and consistently ranks highly in legal education.
Are there religious activities on campus?
Yes, Samford offers chapel services, ministry opportunities, and faith-based programs that integrate spiritual development into campus life.
What is the career outlook for Samford graduates?
Graduates are well-prepared for careers, with many entering fields such as healthcare, business, education, law, and ministry.
Can prospective students visit the campus?
Yes, prospective students can schedule campus tours and attend events to experience Samford firsthand.
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