Samford University

Samford University, "a beautiful liberal arts college with Christian values," draws undergrads seeking "a close-knit community in which high value is placed on morality, academic excellence and communication skills." Students tell us that "Samford represents what is great about a Christian university. It provides an environment that is diverse and not typically conservative Christian." A "well-rounded, challenging curriculum" ensures that students transcend indoctrination while experiencing "some aspect of religious discussion…in classes where you would not usually encounter it." High expectations ensure that they don't coast through to an easy degree. As one student explains, "Samford professors expect a lot from their students, and in return we expect a lot from them. It's been said that academics at Samford are quite a bit harder than most universities, so when someone gets a B people see it as an A, when they get a C it's seen as a B, and so forth." Outstanding disciplines here include English, journalism, nursing, pharmacy, business, music, and theater. But perhaps Samford's most outstanding quality is its "incredibly friendly, welcoming, and genuine atmosphere that makes the transition to college life a pleasant one. The campus is positively breathtaking, the facilities are excellent, class sizes are relatively small, and professors are available and helpful…There is an overall feeling of contentment on campus."

"The Samford stereotype is a white, wealthy, Southern, Protestant (usually Baptist) female, decked out in country club attire," but "while that accounts for maybe an (admittedly vocal) twenty percent of the school, there is a lot of diversity otherwise, especially outside the Greek system." Students who don't fit the mold "often hang out on the quad and are active in various campus organizations or other activities. There actually are hippies, druggies, minorities, political extremists of all stripes, gay people, and people from all over the world at Samford. Don't be deceived by your first glance." Quite a few respondents told us that while "a wide variety of people attend" Samford, "a large percent were raised in a very sheltered environment" and the majority are "white, upper-class, southern Christians" "with strong Christian values and beliefs." Students tend to be highly ambitious, with "a generally heavy interest in their future and…a plan for achieving their goals."

There are people who party and those who don't at Samford; despite the campus' official "dry" status, "there will always be those few people who break the rules," and furthermore, Birmingham offers "some fun nightlife" that can, and occasionally does, involve intoxicants. As a whole, however, "students generally are not big partiers, but like to have fun. Most weekends are spent hanging out with friends or traveling." "There is a strong Greek presence" on the Samford campus, "and many weekends include Greek parties or fundraisers and activities." Religious groups "are especially popular, and the majority of the student body is involved in at least one college ministry throughout the week." Students enjoy "at least five opportunities a week to worship" and "are very engaged in the community and local churches." These activities include "a strong awareness of global issues: fair trade, Darfur, etc." Samford's gated campus "is located in a very safe part of Birmingham," providing students a secure enclave from which to launch their explorations of the city. Students tell us the city is "awesome," "with plenty of places to eat, shop, and play. There are several movie theaters and shopping centers within a ten-mile radius, as well as a roller skating rink, plenty of gorgeous parks, and a thriving downtown."