Samford University - Samford

Write a review of Samford!

Add to Favorite Colleges | Map It | Email this college to a friend

Samford University Summary

What's this?

A small, Christian college with academics as strong as its values, Samford aims to make its undergrads better -- and better-educated -- citizens.

The students are Samford have a commitment to living moral lives while at college. They agree not to drink, take drugs, or have sex outside of marriage while at school; partly to facilitate this, Samford requires everyone under 21 to live on campus. Greek life still flourishes -- over a third of women pledge -- but it looks pretty different than at most other universities. Service is highly valued, as are academics. And students who need a breath of fresh air can escape to one of the nearby state parks or downtown Birmingham.

Have something to say about Samford? Visit the Samford University forum and share your thoughts.

Samford University Review

What's this?

Samford University is a small, Christian college with a distinctly Southern feel. Most of its students appreciate the ways in which the school is different. “Samford is a beautiful tight-knit school where students are very friendly and genuinely love spending time together. It is small enough that you almost always see someone you know, yet big enough that you can't possibly know everyone. The small size allows students to be really involved in whatever aspect of campus they are most passionate about, whether it's SGA, Univeristy Ministries, or Greek life,” says one junior journalism major. “Samford is the best university in Alabama (in my opinion),” declares a senior biology major. “If you tell someone you're a student here (at least for me), they'll think you're disciplined, motivated, and very smart to be here and remain here in good standing. It's challenging academically, but well worth it.”

Many students feel bolstered by Samford’s community; others find it occasionally stifling. “A white student with an affluent background would feel comfortable at Samford, anyone else not so much.” A senior journalism major, however, points out, “I do not consider myself close-minded, rich, conservative, republican, Southern Baptist or sheltered, yet I fit very nicely into Samford's campus.” And an alum, while acknowledging that the school could do better, adds, “But the fact that I am from Nicaragua, and that I had friends from Croatia, Jordan, Lebannon, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, England, and Scotland and all of them went to Samford shows that Samford is moving in a positive direction.”

The strict rules governing behavior can seem pretty restrictive. “Samford for the most part tries to uphold the Christian values it was founded on. Therefore, there a rules such as no visitation after 10pm (it's earlier for freshmen), no parties whatsoever on campus, and of course no drinking on campus. Administration has deleted two channels "BET" and "MTV" from the cable we receive in our rooms because they did not uphold our values. Don't worry though, we still have "VH1" "OXYGEN" and "E",” says one senior nursing major. And a senior geography major gripes, “Samford is a great school but no one understands that college should be a time were you get away from your parents and begin to think for yourself, and Samford does not do this. If you go to Samford you will go from the protective atmosphere of your parents’ home to a more productive atmosphere of this gated school.”

Some students also feel compelled to address the less-perfect sides of the school. The pervasive Greek culture on campus leads to “widespread hazing issues committed by some of the larger fraternities,” claims one business major. A junior education major wishes the Bulldog fans were more spirited: “There is some school pride but no one goes to any of the games really, a select few... that needs to change.” And the situation of LGBT students on campus is tenuous. One student explains, “Samford did recently change its "code of values," which gave a values violation and $50 fine to those who committed acts such as rape or "homosexual acts." Now, the handbook simply says heterosexual/homosexual sex is not allowed on campus, though this isn't exactly a "gays welcome" sign.”

But although some students lament the lack of a social life, particularly on weekends, keeping things dry does help people focus on academics. One alum history major says, “One of the best parts of Samford is that every professor I had knew my name and remembered it even after I took their class. The professors schedule individual meetings to go over a paper or final project and are always available for questions. I often went to my professors just to talk to them about what i was doing with my life as graduation moved closer and closer.” A senior economics major concurs: “The academics are great with professors who truly care. Professors know your name and you can talk to them about anything. They are very willing to help whenever needed and really reach out to their students oftentimes hosting them in their homes for meals. The small class size is really helpful and it allows you to get to know your peers and the professors.” And a junior points out, “The curriculum at Samford definitely helps you focus on getting a job but also just helps you to learn to become a better person.”

For the most part, students at Samford choose their school on purpose, knowing its downsides, and end up pleased with their experience. “Samford has a great spirit to it...awesome people. some downers, but they usually transfer. i have met my best friends here. maybe i'm being so optimistic because i'm graduating and feeling like i miss it already,” says one senior communications major. A senior economics major sums it up: Samford is an “incredible school that provides an exceptional place for young adults to mature and grow in a great city surrounded by the best friends anyone could want.”

See all 34 Samford University Reviews

Samford Quotes

David
Biology
Alum

Most students come in with an understandably conservative worldview. Most of our faculty are relatively liberal but this works out well because many students leave the school with a more open-minded moderate worldview.

caroline
Nursing
Senior

Greek life is HUGE on campus and if you are not involved you often times feel left out. ( i joined my sophmore year so I know). Samford I believe is really really lacking in activies for students to do on the weekends. The whole campus shuts down, literally shuts down.

Jill
Latin American Studies
Alum

If you get tired of being in Birmingham, you can easily drive to the beach, Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, and other places because they are all failry close to Samford. I am sure that every weekend you will find something fun to do.

Unigo gives you an inside look at colleges. Unigo is not endorsed by Samford, and the opinions expressed on this website are those of Samford students.

Next Page: Additional Info on Samford