University of Alabama vs. Samford University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Alabama law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, University of Alabama is the more selective admit (median LSAT 167 vs 156); University of Alabama posts the higher first-time bar passage (91.39% vs 78.81%); University of Alabama is cheaper on sticker tuition ($24,980 vs $46,334); University of Alabama places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (99.3% vs 87.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | University of Alabama | Samford University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 167 | 156 | University of Alabama |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.97 | 3.63 | University of Alabama |
| Acceptance rate | 25.6% | 49% | University of Alabama |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $24,980 | $46,334 | University of Alabama |
| Non-resident tuition | $48,100 | $46,334 | Samford University |
| Median grant | $21,500 | $20,000 | University of Alabama |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 91.39% | 78.81% | University of Alabama |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 95.42% | 94.52% | University of Alabama |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +10.9 pts | -1.3 pts | University of Alabama |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 99.3% | 87.8% | University of Alabama |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 26% | 11.6% | University of Alabama |
| Federal clerkships | 12.3% | 2.2% | University of Alabama |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
University of Alabama full profile · Samford University full profile · All Alabama law schools
FAQ
Is University of Alabama or Samford University harder to get into?
University of Alabama is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 167 against Samford University's 156.
Which is cheaper, University of Alabama or Samford University?
University of Alabama is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $24,980 versus Samford University's $46,334.
Which has better bar passage, University of Alabama or Samford University?
University of Alabama has the higher first-time bar passage, 91.39% against Samford University's 78.81%.
Which has better job outcomes, University of Alabama or Samford University?
University of Alabama places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (99.3% vs 87.8%).
University of Alabama vs Samford University: which is better?
It depends on what you weigh — the table above shows where each wins. Across the four headline measures (selectivity, sticker cost, first-time bar passage, and JD employment), University of Alabama leads on more of them, but read the row that matters most to you rather than the count.
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.