Community College Partnerships | Samford University

In a move that expands its partnership with the two-year college system, Samford University has streamlined the path for community college students to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Students attending schools who have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Samford will be guaranteed admission upon meeting university requirements. Samford is committed to providing transfer pathways, pre-transfer advising and scholarships to support the transition. Students who have earned specified Applied Associate of Science degrees are eligible for full degree pathways in accordance with the plans of study included in the MOU agreements. It also encourages reverse transfer agreements, in which students who transfer before graduating from community college can complete their associate degree at Samford.

Gadsden State Jefferson State Lawson State Snead State Wallace State Other Schools

Transfer to Samford

While your school has not yet entered a memorandum of understanding with us, you can still apply to Samford as a transfer student. Learn More

Jefferson State Community College

“Samford is thrilled to provide transfer pathways and new scholarship opportunities for Jefferson State Community College students. Since the development of Samford’s strategic plan, Fidelitas, we have focused even more on the creation of new, expanded, and revised academic programs that enhance our existing offerings and meet the needs of new student populations. This partnership with Jefferson State Community College is an important step towards furthering this goal.”

—Beck A. Taylor, PhD, President, Samford University

“This agreement will significantly broaden our students’ transfer possibilities, enabling them to pursue their educational aspirations more effectively. It marks a new milestone in our partnership with Samford University, and I am eager to see the positive impact it will have on our students.”

—Keith A. Brown, President, Jefferson State Community College

Degree Pathways

Samford and your school have worked diligently together to establish a pathway that is seamless and attainable through multiple options. Eligible students may choose to transfer to Samford through any of the following manners:

Traditional Undergraduate Programs (In-Person)

An eligible student who has completed their AA or AS through your school or a student who has accumulated 45 credits minimum through your school may transfer to Samford University by providing the necessary transfer application materials. A student will receive full credit for general education courses in accordance with the credit equivalencies listed in our Transfer Credit Database.

Undergraduate Programs

Online Undergraduate Completer Pathway

An eligible student choosing the completer pathway is one that has attained their Associate of Arts (AA) or their Associate of Science (AS) from your school. Undergraduate degrees available through Samford Online are:

Online Undergraduate Full Degree Pathway

An eligible student who has not earned an AA or AS may apply for the full degree pathway. Undergraduate degrees available through Samford Online are:

A student will receive full credit for general education courses in accordance with the credit equivalencies listed in our Transfer Credit Tables for our online programs.

Eligibility

Students who are currently enrolled in your school for any number of semesters are eligible to transfer to Samford University if they meet the following qualifications.

Traditional Undergraduate Programs

Fulfill the requirements for the Samford University Transfer Application
- Application
- Transcripts from
  - your school
  - Other Educational Institution (i.e. high school of record or other college or university) if the credits achieved from your school are less than 24 credits total.
- Essay
- Letter of Recommendation from a source who has witnessed your work ethic in preferably academics (i.e. teacher, professor, coach, counselor, administrator, advisor, etc.)
- Application Fee
Maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA
Demonstrate high standard of scholarship, outstanding personal character, and serious educational aims with your school and community of residence.

Online Undergraduate Programs

Fulfill the requirements for the Samford University Transfer Application
- Application
- Transcripts from
  - your school
  - Other Educational Institution (i.e. high school of record or other college or university) if the credits achieved from your school are less than 24 credits total.
- Essay
Maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA

Scholarships and Aid

Transfer students applying to Samford University will be eligible for the following scholarship opportunities if they meet Samford's admission requirements, they leave in good standing (academic or otherwise), and have completed 45 transferable credit hours or have completed their associate's degree:

Scholarships Available to Undergraduate Day Students and Samford Online Students

MOU Scholarships

Students attending schools who have entered into an MOU with Samford will be granted admission upon meeting university requirements and will be eligible for applicable scholarships. Average award: $2,000

Phi Theta Kappa

Incoming community college students who are members of their institution’s PTK chapter are eligible to receive this award, provided they note their membership on the admission application and provide proof of membership. Award: $2,500

Scholarships Available Only to Undergraduate Day Students

Crosland

Competitive transfer applicants have a minimum college GPA of 3.5 and have earned at least 24 credits of undergraduate coursework. If under 24 credits, their high school GPA will be evaluated. Average award: $17,500

Marion

Competitive transfer applicants have an average college GPA of 3.0 and have earned at least 24 credits of undergraduate coursework. If under 24 credits, their high school GPA will be evaluated. Average award: $13,000

Marvin Mann Legacy

The Marvin Mann Legacy Scholarship is awarded to students who have had a family member graduate from (or have one who is currently enrolled in) Samford University or Howard College. Award: $1,000

Marvin Mann First Generation Scholarship

The Marvin Mann First Generation Scholarship is awarded to students whose parents did not complete a four-year college (bachelor’s) degree and have demonstrated financial need. All admitted students are automatically considered for this award. Award: $5,000

STEM Scholarships

Students who have completed two years of community college in a science or math-related field, are eligible to complete their bachelor’s degree through Samford’s STEM Scholars program. Average award: $10,000

All scholarships are subject to revocation if any of the merit requirements are no longer met or if a student is found in breach of the Samford Code of Values.

In accordance with applicable federal and state laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments, the University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, religion, or any other protected status under federal, state or local law applicable to the University, in its education policies, programs, and activities, in its admissions policies, in employment policies and practices, and all other areas of the University. As a faith-based institution, the University is exempted from certain laws and regulations concerning discrimination.

Location and Proximity

Samford University is located on the Southern end of Jefferson County providing convenient access to the many amenities Birmingham and the surrounding suburbs has to offer. Students can not only step into a campus environment that provides ease of transportation by walking or shuttle services to all campus courtesies – 15 minutes is the average time it takes to traverse the entire campus, but they can also utilize the connections Samford has established with the surrounding economic structures for invaluable training and internships. Whether commuting or living on campus, Samford strives to provide students with access to as many developmental resources as possible while the student concentrates on discovering the integral parts of their purpose.

Check out the Samford Horizons page to gain a better understanding of the transitions that are unfolding for all students enrolled in Samford University.