Samford University, originally founded as Howard College in 1841, began in Marion, Alabama. Named after the 18th-century English philanthropist John Howard, the institution was established by the Alabama Baptist State Convention with the goal of creating a school for men in Perry County. Reverend James H. DeVotie, who later served as a trustee for 15 years and as president of the board for two, donated some of the land for the college's foundation.
Significant early support for the college came from Julia Tarrant Barron, who contributed $4,000 as the first financial gift and also donated land alongside her son. Additionally, the Reverend Milo P. Jewett and Edwin D. King are recognized as founders. However, it is important to note that much of King’s and Barron’s wealth, which helped fund the institution, was derived from the labor of enslaved individuals.
Campus
Samford University, originally established as Howard College, has relocated four times throughout its history. It began in Marion, Alabama, a Black Belt town situated between Selma and Tuscaloosa, which is also notable as the birthplace of Coretta Scott King. During its time in Marion, the college moved twice within the town, with its second campus now serving as the site of Marion Military Institute. In 1887, the institution relocated to the East Lake community in Birmingham, across the street from Ruhama Baptist Church.
Today, the university is situated about 5 miles (8 km) south of downtown Birmingham in Homewood, Alabama. Its current campus, nestled in Shades Valley along Lakeshore Drive and 2 miles (3 km) from Interstate 65, was constructed between 1953 and 1957. Influenced by the architectural style of Colonial Williamsburg, the Georgian Colonial design was envisioned by Lena Vail Davis, wife of then-president Harwell Davis. The Birmingham-based architectural firm Van Keuren & Davis, now known as Davis Architects since 1986, designed the campus and most subsequent buildings.
What is the Samford University US News National Rankings 2025?
Samford University ranks 171 according to the US News National Rankings 2025.
Samford University Global Ranking
The University is still awaiting its official rankings from prominent organisations such as QS, Times Higher Education, and US News and World Report. Despite its growing reputation and contributions to academia, the university has not yet been featured in the rankings published by these influential bodies. But it has been ranked at #171 out of 436 National Universities in the U.S. News in 2024.
Although the University continues to develop its academic programs and research initiatives, it remains unranked by these major international ranking institutions. The absence of a ranking from QS, Times Higher Education, and US News does not reflect the quality of education or research output but simply indicates that the university has not been formally assessed by these specific agencies.
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Frequently asked questions on Samford University Ranking 2025
1: How is the semester set up?
A: The fall semester at Samford runs from the last week in August to mid-December. The spring semester begins the second week in January and runs until late April. Finally, there is a May Term that begins the first week of May and ends before Memorial Day. We also offer three Summer Terms, two terms lasting five-weeks in both June and July and one term lasting ten weeks that begins the first week of June and ends by the first week of August.
2: Can someone live on campus?
A: To maximize the University experience, all unmarried undergraduates 20 years of age and under are required to reside in University housing, unless they live at home with a parent or guardian.