Samford University reported record enrollment, a growing endowment, and national recognition for career preparation in its newly released 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of academic momentum and campus investment for the Birmingham-based institution.
According to the report, Samford reached an all-time enrollment high of 6,324 students in 2025, including a record 1,156 first-year students, while the university’s endowment grew to $539.7 million. The report also highlights national rankings, new academic initiatives and the completion of major campus construction projects.
The university operates 10 undergraduate and graduate schools and continues to emphasize its Christ-centered mission while expanding academic programs.
Enrollment growth was accompanied by strong student success indicators. The university reported a freshmen-to-sophomore retention rate of 92.18%, significantly higher than the national retention average of 68% reported by the National Student Clearinghouse. Samford also recorded the NCAA’s third-highest Graduation Success Rate, according to the report.
In addition to strong student outcomes, the university also earned several national recognitions for academic quality and career preparation.
Samford was ranked No. 3 in the nation for career preparation by The Wall Street Journal. The university was also ranked No. 5 for most recommended and No. 7 for student learning opportunities in the same rankings.
Beyond the overall university rankings, several individual programs also received national recognition. Cumberland School of Law was ranked No. 5 for Best Quality of Life by The Princeton Review, while Samford’s Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing was recognized among the nation’s best online nursing master’s programs.
Alongside academic achievements, the report also highlights significant campus investments completed during the year. Samford capped approximately $300 million in construction projects with the opening of Gaston Hall and Mann Hall, two new residence halls that added 512 beds and strengthened the university’s residential campus experience.
In addition to physical campus growth, the university also expanded its mission-focused initiatives with the launch of the Mann Institute for Christian Faith and Learning. The initiative was supported by an $11 million endowment from the late alumnus and benefactor Marvin Mann and is designed to expand theological programming and support Samford’s mission as a Christ-centered university.
Beyond campus initiatives, Samford is also expanding its global education opportunities. The university announced plans for a new international study center in Costa Rica known as Finca de Samford, which will emphasize a serve-and-learn model that combines international education with service opportunities.
“Samford is a growing and thriving community of faith and learning,” said Samford President Beck A. Taylor. He added, “Sustained enrollment growth, improved academic excellence, co-curricular innovation, campus improvements, athletic prowess, national recognition and a recommitment to our Christ-centered culture all require us to remain faithful to meeting the present moment with intentionality and humility.”
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
