U.S. News ranks Samford as top private school

Every year, U.S. News & World Report, a digital media company that publishes independent reporting, rankings, journalism and advice, releases a list of the best colleges in the country. For 2027, the company ranked Samford University as #93 on its Top Private Schools list and #108 in Best Value.

U.S. News & World Report creates its list by analyzing and comparing self-reported data from universities as well as data from IPEDS, U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard (including U.S. Treasury earnings data of Title IV students), the U.S. Department of Commerce and Elsevier. Universities are grouped into 10 categories based on the 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s and research designations to maintain fairness. Each university is then scored on up to 17 quality factors, including graduation rates, first year retention rates, peer assessment, financial resources and more.

The Best Values rankings are based on 2025-2026 net cost of attendance for out-of-state students who received the average level of need-based scholarship or grant aid. A university’s value is then determined by weighing the quality of its programs with the lowness of its cost.

As for student opinions on Samford, senior Kennedy Hogan stated that she appreciates Samford’s involvement opportunities.

“I think what makes Samford special is that [it] offers a lot of organizations and groups that you can join to help you make connections to people in your major or professionally when you graduate,” she said.

In response to a Crimson questionnaire, Instagram user and Samford student Camryn Webster stated that Samford is special to her because of the relationships she has formed, and her friends who help strengthen her faith.

Senior Rachel Love stated that Samford has helped prepare her for life after college in many ways. She said that balancing her classes, extracurriculars, and internships has helped prepare her for her life after graduation.

“Samford helped me grow into someone who trusts her own voice and knows what she wants. Being surrounded by people who challenge you, support you, and expect you to show up really shapes you,” she said, “Those experiences matter just as much as the academic side, and they’ve made me feel ready to pursue a career in corporate law with the mindset and maturity I need to thrive after college.”