Samford University announced today its 11th consecutive record enrollment. University officials confirmed a record of 5,692 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs as of Sept. 6.
Included in the totals are 3,591 undergraduate and 2,101 graduate/professional students, representing 46 states, the District of Columbia, and 28 countries. The freshman class of 900 students is one of the most academically accomplished in Samford’s 177 year history. Samford’s freshman to sophomore retention rate was 89.2 percent.
“At a time when many private institutions are struggling with enrollment, Samford continues to experience sustainable, quality growth,” said Samford Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management R. Philip Kimrey. “Our institutional story is effectively told by motivated, trustworthy staff and faculty members throughout our admission process, and I am grateful to them for creating an environment that is so focused on students and their families. We find the cumulative effort of our people provides an experience in which students thrive.”
The records come at a time of national recognition and expansion across all academic schools at the university. Samford’s strategic plan outlines ambitious goals for enrollment, retention, and student engagement.
“The continued incremental growth in enrollment shows student response to our campus-wide commitment to providing students with outstanding academic opportunities in a supportive and nurturing environment,” added Kimrey. “We are grateful for each student and family who chooses to invest their future at Samford.”
Samford is regularly recognized as one of the top Christian universities in the United States, and consistently receives high marks for value. Most recently, Samford was named #3 nationally for student engagement by The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. In its annual ranking of the best colleges, U.S. News & World Report ranks Samford top in Alabama for both value and undergraduate teaching. The university was recently ranked #34 nationally among private universities on Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s “Best College Values” list.