Analysis
With both earnings and debt figures estimated from peer programs nationwide, Samford's Health Professions bachelor's comes with significant uncertainty. Similar programs typically produce $38,500 in first-year earnings against roughly $27,000 in debt—a 0.70 ratio that falls within manageable territory. But here's the catch: "Health Professions" is an unusually broad category that can include everything from health information management to community health workers, fields with vastly different earning trajectories. Without actual outcome data from Samford's specific graduates, you're essentially betting on an average that may not reflect where this particular program actually lands.
The debt load, while estimated to be below the national median for health professions programs, still represents a meaningful commitment for first-year earnings in the upper $30,000s. At a selective private university like Samford (82% admission rate, 1203 average SAT), families often pay premium tuition expecting premium outcomes. Whether this program delivers depends entirely on its specific focus and the credentials students actually leave with—details the suppressed data can't tell you.
Before committing, get specifics from Samford: What exactly do most graduates in this program do after graduation? Are they employed in their field within a year? What certifications or licenses do they typically pursue? The estimated numbers suggest an acceptable investment for health careers, but only if this program's actual track record—which you'll need to investigate directly—matches the broader pattern.
Where Samford University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Health Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,144 | $38,492* | — | $26,972* | — | |
| $6,638 | $72,628* | $68,341 | $19,018* | 0.26 | |
| $15,672 | $70,890* | $58,053 | $37,613* | 0.53 | |
| $31,866 | $70,566* | — | $27,801* | 0.39 | |
| $7,317 | $56,924* | $64,596 | $24,990* | 0.44 | |
| $10,791 | $56,793* | $57,659 | $29,750* | 0.52 | |
| National Median | — | $38,492* | — | $26,000* | 0.68 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Samford University, approximately 11% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 44 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.