Published on September 11, 2017 by Philip Poole  
aerial campus with sunset

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø continues a growth pattern that began eight years ago and exceeds national norms, setting a fall enrollment record for the ninth consecutive year. University officials announced a record of 5,509 students as of Sept. 8.  

Included in the totals are 3,373 undergraduate and 2,136 graduate/professional students, both records, representing 45 states, the District of Columbia, and 29 other countries. The freshman class is one of the most diverse and academically accomplished in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøhistory. 

“At a time when many private institutions are struggling with enrollment, we are blessed,” said ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøPresident Andrew Westmoreland. “Our institutional story is ably and effectively told by motivated, trustworthy staff and faculty members throughout our admissions and retention process, and I am grateful to them for creating an environment that is so focused on students and their families.” 

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø is regularly recognized as one of the top national Christian universities in the United States. In its annual ranking of the best colleges, U.S. News & World Report ranks ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø#4 in the South among regional universities and #3 in the South for best undergraduate teaching.  ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøalso is recognized as the top-ranked university in the state of Alabama in rankings published by Forbes Inc., The Economist and The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education

“The records come at a time of national recognition and expansion across all academic schools at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø,” Westmoreland added. “These rankings, combined with our enrollment records, affirm Samford’s already strong reputation as we expand our reach nationally and globally.” 

 
ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøis a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøis the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøenrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøfields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.