Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I apply for scholarships?
No additional forms are necessary for merit-based scholarship consideration, as information submitted during the application process is used in considering scholarship candidates. However, the application file must be completed and postmarked by December 1 of your senior year of high school in order to be eligible for scholarship consideration.
2. What is the minimum grade point average and/or test score required to be accepted to Samford?
The admission committee considers each application component when making decisions for admission. Therefore, there are no set minimums for acceptance. Rather, the committee looks for strong evidence that a student will be successful in the competitive academic environment at Samford.
3. How many students receive financial aid?
Approximately 80% of the students at Samford are on some form of financial aid.
4. What major has the largest number of students?
Business (others: Education, Nursing, Journalism). See full list of majors.
5. What opportunities are there to study abroad?
Samford has a Study Centre in London. Samford students can also be found studying in Morocco, France, Spain, Brazil, Costa Rica, China, Hong Kong and more. If there's a place you want to go, we can probably set up something for you. (See Study Abroad)
6. How is the semester system set up?
The fall semester at Samford runs from the last week in August to mid-December. In January, there is an optional term. Then, the spring semester begins the last week in January and runs until mid to late May. There are also two summer terms each year.
7. Do you accept dual-enrollment or AP credits?
At this time, credits for these classes are accepted with certain guidelines. See catalog for specific requirements.
8. What classifies a student as full-time?
A student who takes at least 12 semester hours (18 maximum) is considered full time. A normal class load for an undergraduate day student during fall and spring semesters is 16 undergraduate credits.
9. What accreditations does Samford have?
Samford University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). In addition, several of the professional schools on our campus have additional accreditations. See list of professional accreditations in catalog.
10. Is Samford a "suitcase college"?
No. Approximately 65% of the students at Samford are from out of state, with 40 states represented. In addition, Birmingham is a city of almost a million people with many opportunities from hiking to shopping within a close distance to Samford. See more...
11. Do you have to be Greek to get involved?
No. Approximately 38% of our students are involved in a Greek organization, a very active group on campus. However, there are many other opportunities to get involved on campus. See more...
12. Are your sports any good?
Yes, Samford athletics, competing in 17 different Division-I sports, leaves the Ohio Valley Conference for the Southern Conference on July 1, 2008. For a summary of Samford accomplishments in the OVC, see this press release. See more...
13. Can I live on campus?
All unmarried, undergraduate students under 21 years of age are required to live on campus unless they live at home with their parents. (See Residence Life)
14. What can I bring for my dorm room?
15. May I have a car on campus?
Yes. All cars must be registered with the Department of Public Safety. Parking decals are distributed according to the area of campus where the student lives and additional sections are reserved for commuter students.
16. Do I need to bring a computer?
Bringing your own computer is not required but is recommended. Samford University provides six general access computer labs for the academic computing needs of the student body. Over 190 computers on campus offer word processing, email, access to the internet and many applications specific to various academic programs. All Samford residential facilities provide a high-speed Ethernet network connection for each resident's use. See Technology Services for more information.
17. Are part-time jobs available on campus?
There are many part-time jobs available on campus. These opportunities are available to all students regardless of financial need. Available on campus jobs are listed at www.samford.edu/studentemployment . In addition, our Career Development Center keeps a list regularly of off-campus part-time job.
18. What is Convocation?
The purpose of Convocation is to nurture students in faith, learning, and values from a distinctly Christian perspective. Students are provided opportunities to grow toward spiritual maturity through speakers, music, worship, lectures and dialogue. Each student is required to complete 60 convocation credits before graduation. See more...
19. What is Samford's denominational affiliation?
Samford is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist Convention.
20. What does it mean to be a Christian university?
Samford is a Christian community that nurtures faith, allowing students to strengthen their convictions and claim their beliefs. Many students participate in worship services, Christian lectures, Bible study groups, mission opportunities and outreach teams on campus. However, it is much more than these things. The Christian emphasis is a current that runs through each and every aspect of Samford.
21. What ministries are there to participate in?
University Ministries, RUF, Campus Outreach, UCF, FCA. Samford students are also involved in a number of area churches.
22. What is the cost to attend Samford?
The total cost is approximately $27,064. This includes tuition, room and board.
23. Where can I eat on campus?
Samford University's Dining Services include both a cafeteria and a food court. Meal plans are available in 3 varieties. After purchasing a plan, students simply take their Samford card into the cafeteria or food court to receive the meals purchased. Both the cafeteria and the food court offer a variety of food options for many different tastes and diets.
