Economic Impact | Samford University
Samford University generated nearly $1.08 billion in economic output across Alabama in fiscal year 2025, supporting an estimated 7,646 jobs, $645.8 million in Alabama GDP and $426.3 million in personal income, according to a new independent study by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA).
University Operations
As the 14th-largest employer in the Birmingham metro area and the largest in the city of Homewood, Samford’s ongoing operations are the university’s largest and most consistent source of economic contribution. This activity includes employment, compensation, and purchases of goods and services required to operate the university. Samford’s operations supported an estimated $473 million in statewide economic output, reflecting Samford’s year-round presence as an Alabama employer and institution.
$473M
Statewide Economic Output
$219M
Operating Expenditures
Campus Visitor Spending
Throughout the year, Samford draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Homewood for athletics, performances, lectures, conferences, admissions activities, alumni and family events, summer camps and other university functions. During FY2025, an estimated 1.15 million campus visits were associated with 230,200 visitors, excluding campus residents and employees. Estimated spending associated with this visitor population totaled $195.7 million and supported $277.3 million in statewide economic output.
$277M
Statewide Economic Output
Capital Investment
Capital investment expands Samford’s economic contribution during periods of major construction and facility development, and these investments supported an estimated $217.7 million in statewide economic output. Samford reported $117.8 million in capital expenditures in FY2025, an unusually high level of investment driven largely by construction of a 165,000-square-foot Campus Recreation, Wellness & Athletics Complex and new residence halls, adding 653 beds to central and west campus.
$218M
Statewide Economic Output
$118M
In Capital Expenditures
Out-of-State Student Spending
Samford brings students and future professionals from across the country to Alabama. In fall 2025, 3,843 of Samford’s 6,324 students, or 60.8%, came from outside Alabama. Their living expenditures, beyond payments made directly to the university, represent dollars drawn into Alabama communities. Of Samford’s 59,179 living alumni, 29,443, or nearly 50%, reside in Alabama. Of those, 16,865 live outside Jefferson County, showing that Samford’s alumni presence extends statewide. The study estimates that out-of-state student spending supported $111.9 million in statewide economic output.
$112M
Statewide Economic Output
3,843
Out-of-State Students
