Samford University welcomed students back to campus this fall with another milestone to celebrate — more students are calling the Homewood university home than at any other time in its 185-year history.
The university opened the fall 2026 semester with 6,522 students, marking its largest enrollment ever. Among them are 1,270 first-year full-time students, giving Samford its largest freshman class for the second year in a row.
For Samford President Beck A. Taylor, the numbers reflect more than growth.
“Samford’s enrollment growth parallels a trend of applicants boasting some of the most impressive academic profiles we’ve ever seen,” Taylor said. “High-achieving students value Samford. They seek a transformational education on a residential campus where they’ll be nurtured, motivated and equipped to lead lives of meaning and purpose.”
The university has been steadily growing for years, with enrollment increasing more than 40% since 2009. This year’s freshman class is 9.8% larger than the previous record of 1,156 set just last year, while undergraduate enrollment has reached an all-time high of 4,575.
And students aren’t just coming to Samford — they are staying.
The university reports an 88.93% freshman-to-sophomore retention rate, well above the nationwide average of 68% cited from National Student Clearinghouse data.
“The Samford experience—where students thrive intellectually and find their calling on a Christ-centered campus—is increasingly unique in the landscape of higher education,” said Jason Black, Samford’s vice president for enrollment management. “Demand is strong, as evidenced by another record-setting freshman class that arrived this fall. Samford’s retention success speaks to the faithfully devoted faculty and support staff who encourage these future leaders to flourish.”
Samford’s reach also extends well beyond Alabama. Students this fall come from 46 states, Puerto Rico and 12 countries. More than 62% of the student body comes from outside Alabama, including 76.3% of first-year students.
Those students are arriving on a campus that has undergone significant changes in recent years. Samford has completed more than $300 million in infrastructure improvements over the past three years, including four new residence halls, the Campus Recreation, Wellness & Athletic Complex and a remodeled University Center dining hall.
“These campus investments allow Samford to compete for exceptional students on the global stage,” Taylor said. “With a freshman class that has grown 30% over the last five years, the momentum is accelerating. We’re so grateful for the Lord’s blessings and the trust that families place in Samford University.”
The university’s growth comes alongside national recognition. Samford earned three top-10 spots in The Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings, led by a No. 3 national ranking for quality of career preparation. It also ranked No. 5 among Most Recommended Colleges and No. 7 for strongest Learning Opportunities. Samford is ranked No. 35 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for undergraduate teaching quality.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
