Faulkner University vs. Samford University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Alabama law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Samford University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 156 vs 150); Samford University posts the higher first-time bar passage (78.8% vs 71.4%); Faulkner University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($39,900 vs $46,334); Samford University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (87.8% vs 78.4%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Faulkner University | Samford University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 150 | 156 | Samford University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.33 | 3.63 | Samford University |
| Acceptance rate | 53.9% | 49.0% | Samford University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $39,900 | $46,334 | Faulkner University |
| Non-resident tuition | $39,900 | $46,334 | Faulkner University |
| Median grant | $15,960 | $20,000 | Samford University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 71.4% | 78.8% | Samford University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 88.1% | 94.5% | Samford University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -9.2 pts | -1.3 pts | Samford University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 78.4% | 87.8% | Samford University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 2.3% | 11.6% | Samford University |
| Federal clerkships | 0.0% | 2.2% | Samford University |
trajectory since 2011
Full profiles & related
Faulkner University full profile · Samford University full profile · Pin both on the interactive map → · All Alabama law schools
FAQ
Is Faulkner University or Samford University harder to get into?
Samford University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 156 against Faulkner University's 150.
Which is cheaper, Faulkner University or Samford University?
Faulkner University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $39,900 versus Samford University's $46,334.
Which has better bar passage, Faulkner University or Samford University?
Samford University has the higher first-time bar passage, 78.8% against Faulkner University's 71.4%.
Which has better job outcomes, Faulkner University or Samford University?
Samford University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (87.8% vs 78.4%).
Faulkner University 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), Samford University 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.