Independent study highlights university operations, campus investment, visitor spending and workforce contributions across Alabama.
HOMEWOOD, Ala. — November 3, 2026 — Samford University generated $1.08 billion in statewide economic output during fiscal year 2025, supporting an estimated 7,646 jobs, $645.8 million in Alabama gross domestic product and $426.3 million in personal income, according to a new independent study by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama.
The report examines how Alabama’s largest private university contributes to the state’s economy through university operations, capital investment, out-of-state student spending and campus visitor spending. Located in Homewood within the Birmingham metropolitan area, Samford also attracts students to Alabama and prepares graduates for careers in fields with continuing workforce demand.
Samford University’s Economic Impact: Key Findings
The study identified four primary sources of economic activity associated with Samford during fiscal year 2025:
- University operations: $473 million in statewide economic output and 3,230 jobs supported.
- Campus visitor spending: $277.3 million in statewide economic output and 2,334 jobs supported.
- Capital investment: $217.7 million in statewide economic output and 1,233 jobs supported.
- Out-of-state student spending: $111.9 million in statewide economic output and 849 jobs supported.
“As Samford University broadens its national profile, the university’s economic footprint increasingly benefits the residents of Alabama. More than $1 billion in economic impact is a testament to Samford’s growing significance to the Birmingham region and Alabama,” said Beck A. Taylor, president of Samford University. “Sustained enrollment growth across two decades has introduced our state to new generations of Samford students, many of whom remained here after graduation to build careers and families. That momentum coincides with Samford expanding investments in faculty, staff and transformative campus construction projects.”
University Operations Strengthen the Birmingham Region’s Economy
Samford reported $218.7 million in operating expenditures during fiscal year 2025 and employed 2,157 faculty, staff and student employees.
The university ranks as the 14th-largest employer in the Birmingham metropolitan area and the largest employer in Homewood. Its operations supported an estimated $473 million in statewide economic output and 3,230 jobs, including employment supported beyond the university itself.
As a private institution, Samford does not receive state appropriations for general operations.
“Samford’s influence stretches beyond higher education,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, a graduate of Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. “As a net importer of talent, the university fuels our region’s workforce with professionals who thrive in high-demand fields and strengthen many communities.”
Out-of-State Students and Alumni Expand Alabama’s Talent Base
Samford attracts students from across the country, bringing additional spending and potential long-term workforce benefits to Alabama.
In fall 2025, 3,843 of Samford’s 6,324 students—60.8%—came from outside Alabama. Their living expenses, excluding payments made directly to the university, supported an estimated $111.9 million in statewide economic output and 849 jobs.
The university’s connection to Alabama continues after graduation. Of Samford’s 59,179 living alumni, 29,443—nearly half—reside in Alabama. Among those Alabama residents, 16,865 live outside Jefferson County, demonstrating the university’s reach beyond the Birmingham area.
A separate workforce analysis found that occupations represented among Samford-associated professional profiles overlap with areas of ongoing hiring demand in Alabama. These include nursing, pharmacy, other health care professions, software development, accounting, and general and operations management.
Campus Visitors Support Tourism and Local Businesses
Samford welcomes more than 230,000 unique campus visitors annually for athletic events, performances, lectures, conferences, admissions programs, alumni gatherings, family events and summer camps.
In fiscal year 2025, campus visitor spending supported an estimated:
- $277.3 million in statewide economic output.
- $160.7 million in Alabama GDP.
- $94.3 million in personal income.
- 2,334 jobs across Alabama.
The visitor analysis included spending on lodging, dining, retail, entertainment and transportation. Campus residents and employees were excluded from the visitor population used in the study.
“As a leading employer and home to over 6,500 students, Samford University represents a vitally important institution in Homewood and a powerful engine for our local economy,” said Homewood Mayor Jennifer Andress. “I value our collaboration on quality-of-life issues that we share for our community, such as stewardship of Shades Creek and the Greenway. Samford’s success is Homewood’s success, and I am grateful to call it our hometown university.”
Campus Construction Supports Alabama Jobs
Samford reported $117.8 million in capital expenditures during fiscal year 2025, supporting an estimated $217.7 million in statewide economic output and 1,233 jobs.
The elevated investment was driven largely by construction of a 165,000-square-foot Campus Recreation, Wellness & Athletics Complex and new residence halls that added 653 beds to central and west campus.
These projects contributed to economic activity during construction while expanding university facilities for students and campus programs.
About the Economic Impact Study
The Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama conducted the independent study using institutional information supplied by Samford University and external data sources.
Researchers used REMI Proseris to estimate economic activity associated with university operations, capital investment, out-of-state student spending and campus visitor spending. The report also incorporated campus visitation analytics and Chmura JobsEQ data for a separate workforce development analysis.
The full report is available at samford.edu/about/economic-impact.
About Samford University
Founded in 1841, Samford University is a Christian university located in Homewood, Alabama, in the Birmingham metropolitan area. The university enrolls 6,522 students from 46 states, Puerto Rico and 12 countries.
Samford offers undergraduate, graduate and professional education through 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. The university fields 17 athletic teams in the Southern Conference and reports a 97% NCAA Division I Graduation Success Rate.
Media Contact:
G. Allan Taylor
Executive Director of University Communications
allan.taylor@samford.edu
