Merit-based scholarships are not the only way to pay for college. Samford University is dedicated to making education affordable for students through a variety of need-based options. Maximize your eligibility for financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Aid will be awarded on an as-available basis after this date.

Financing Options

Several options are available for financing your education at Samford. The university offers payment plans and student employment, while the federal government (U.S. Department of Education and the Treasury Department) and private education lenders offer long-term loans in the name of the student, the student and a co-signer and/or a parent.

My parents were happy I had listened to the Lord, but concerned with where the money for Samford would come from. After weeks of prayer, I was awarded multiple scholarships and was able to make Samford my home. I am enjoying Samford to the fullest, and every day I am reminded that God leaves the best for those who leave their decisions to Him.—Claire McKeeStart Your FAFSA Find Student Employment Explore Payment Plans
 
Our pledge is to make the Samford experience as affordable as possible for as many as possible.
The FAFSA has been one of the tools Samford has historically used to provide need-based assistance. The 2023-24 FAFSA rollout was significantly delayed. Should the 2024-25 FAFSA experience similar delays, families may choose to submit the CSS Profile Lite. The CSS Profile is a trusted and reliable tool that allows us to fulfill our pledge to make Samford as affordable as possible for as many as possible.

How to Submit My CSS Profile to Samford

  1. If you have already completed a CSS Profile for another institution, please login and add Samford to your list so that we can receive your profile for need-based consideration.
  2. Please visit the CSS Profile page to create a login and begin your CSS profile.
  3. Select the Fall 2025/Spring 2026 CSS Profile
  4. As you fill out the CSS Profile add Samford University (1302). This will ensure that you submit an abbreviated version of the CSS Profile. This version should take no more than 30 minutes to submit, given you have the necessary documents to answer family financial questions accurately.
  5. Make sure you have your fee waiver code ready when completing your application. Your fee waiver code can be found on your Samford Application Status Page.

All families receiving need-based assistance will still need to submit a FAFSA. A variety of need-based aid opportunities require the FAFSA, including federal and state assistance. Final financial aid letters are scheduled to be released in early March. We continue to be honored by your interest in Samford.

Frequently Asked Questions