Overview
Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama has competed in varsity esports since 2025. Its teams currently compete in Fortnite, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Overwatch 2. The school does not publicly list esports scholarship terms (samford.edu, 2026-27); contact the program directly. Federal College Scorecard data shows an average net price of $32,622 per year, an acceptance rate of 82% and a graduation rate of 77% across 4,206 undergraduates.
Esports details verified 2026-10-10 · Federal data retrieved 2026-10-10
Esports scholarships at Samford
No esports scholarships published
Samford doesn't publish esports scholarship terms. Ask the program staff about athletic or participation awards during recruiting.
The esports program
- Level
- Varsity
- Founded
- 2025
- Conference / league
- Not published
- Facility
- Samford Esports facility (Campus Recreation, Wellness and Athletics Complex)
- Titles fielded
- 3
Cost & outcomes vs. other esports schools
Compared with the median of all 405 esports programs we track.
| Tuition | $40,150 |
|---|---|
| Average net price (after grants) | $32,622 |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 11% |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,500 |
| Student-to-faculty ratio | 14:1 |
Who studies at Samford
4,206 undergraduates, shown as 100 people.
- White 85%
- Hispanic/Latino 5%
- Black 5%
- Asian 1%
- Two or more races 2%
- International 1%
- Other / unknown 1%
- Women
- 65%
- First-generation
- 14%
- Pell recipients
- 11%
Frequently asked questions
Does Samford offer esports scholarships?
The school does not publicly list esports scholarship terms (samford.edu, 2026-27); contact the program directly. Scholarship terms can change each season, so confirm with the program before applying.
What games does Samford esports compete in?
Samford fields varsity teams in Fortnite, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Overwatch 2, according to the program's published information.
How much does Samford cost per year?
The average annual net price — cost after grants and scholarships for students receiving aid — is $32,622. Published tuition is $40,150 (U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard).
How hard is it to get into Samford?
Samford admits 82% of applicants, per the College Scorecard.
When did Samford start varsity esports?
Samford's varsity esports program began in 2025.
Sources
- Esports program and scholarship terms: samford.edu (2026-27)
- Cost, admissions, outcomes and demographics: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved 2026-10-10
- Photo: Chuck Grimmett, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Research notes
University department with a paid Esports Facility Manager & Coach (Michael French) and athletics-style eligibility rules; began competing spring 2025 (4 of 6 teams reached postseason). A Nov 2024 Samford news story calls it the 'esports club', so varsity vs club is somewhat ambiguous. Games are those named on the department page (Fortnite, Smash Ultimate, Overwatch 2); the 2024 story also named Valorant and League of Legends as approved titles. No league named.
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