Samford Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing: What to Know (2026)
Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing (formerly the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing) continues Samford’s long-standing Christian nursing education tradition. Samford’s September 2024 news release reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for four consecutive BSN cohorts—treat that as school-reported and confirm current cohorts with Samford and the Alabama Board of Nursing. This guide summarizes programs, costs, admissions, and international requirements so you can compare this private Birmingham option to other Alabama pathways.
Contents
Quick facts for 2026 applicants
*Cost estimate based on Samford financial services documents for 2025–26 (tuition plus standard undergraduate fees). Housing, meals, books, and other expenses are additional.
Key takeaway
Samford’s nursing programs are best thought of as a high-support, high-cost private option: excellent recent NCLEX-RN performance, Christian campus culture, and small cohorts, but tuition that is significantly higher than most Alabama public programs. Before committing, weigh the value of that environment against your budget, scholarship options, and the outcomes of other BSN or second-degree pathways you are considering.
Overview & Why Students Choose Samford University
Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing, part of Samford University in Birmingham, is the successor to the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing and continues its long history of Christian nursing education. The school emphasizes small class sizes, close faculty mentoring, and service-oriented practice, with BSN, second-degree BSN, and multiple graduate tracks.
Recent institutional news highlights a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for four consecutive BSN cohorts, which is well above national averages. For many applicants, the combination of those outcomes and the campus faith environment makes Samford an attractive—but financially significant—alternative to public options in Alabama.
Nursing Programs Offered
Program pages and catalog entries describe several undergraduate and graduate options. The summaries below are intentionally high-level; always review Samford’s official degree plans and handbooks for exact sequencing, credit loads, and clinical requirements.
Traditional BSN (pre-licensure)
Four-year bachelor’s program for students without prior nursing credentials. Combines liberal arts foundation courses with upper-division nursing theory, skills lab, simulation, and clinical rotations. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination.
Second-degree / accelerated BSN
BSN pathway for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Condenses pre-licensure nursing coursework into an accelerated format; exact program length and pace are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. Graduates are likewise prepared for NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Graduate programs (MSN, DNP, CRNA)
Includes nurse practitioner and nurse anesthesia options, with DNP nurse anesthesia graduates recently posting first-time certification pass rates above national averages. Graduate admissions have separate GPA, experience, and licensure requirements not covered in detail here.
Verify program names, tracks, and delivery formats for Samford’s ABSN, BSN, MSN, and DNP on official nursing program page. Specialty and graduate options can change by admission cycle.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The Alabama Board of Nursing publishes first-time NCLEX examination pass rates by approved program in the Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) PDF (see also abn.alabama.gov). In that workbook, find this institution and the column for your program type (for example, Practical Nursing, Associate Degree, or Baccalaureate Degree). Rates can differ by pathway and reporting period.
CY2025 annual workbook: During an April 2026 editorial review, a public CY2025 file with the same “approved annual programs” layout was not confirmed on the Board’s site. Always check the Board for the latest posted year before comparing schools.
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024), Samford University reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its baccalaureate (BSN) program (CY2024, first-time testers). Samford’s September 2024 news release also cites 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for four consecutive BSN cohorts (school-reported). Rates can differ by pathway, campus, and reporting year. Confirm the latest outcomes with the Alabama Board of Nursing and the school before you compare programs.
Recent Samford news releases report exceptionally strong BSN NCLEX-RN performance. At the same time, public summaries do not list every individual cohort’s size or long-term trend data in one place, so the table below should be treated as a snapshot, not a complete history.
| Metric | Published value / comment |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (BSN) | 100% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 100%). |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) (PDF); historical comparison: CY2023 by institutions (PDF). Confirm the row for Samford University and your program type. |
When a program highlights perfect pass rates, it is wise to ask for context: cohort sizes, how many cohorts are included, and what results looked like before the current streak. Use Alabama Board of Nursing reports as your baseline and ask Samford to explain how they support at-risk students before and after graduation.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Samford’s international admissions pages outline English-language proficiency expectations and supporting documentation for students whose prior schooling was not in English. These apply across the university, including nursing.
| Requirement | Summary from Samford sources |
|---|---|
| English-language tests accepted | Samford accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test scores for undergraduate international applicants. |
| Recommended thresholds | Examples from Samford and third-party summaries indicate TOEFL iBT scores of about 90 or higher, IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher, or Duolingo scores of 120 or higher as favorable for admission. |
| When tests are required | English tests are typically required if your high school or prior university work was not taught in English; students educated in English-medium settings may have this requirement waived. |
| Additional documentation | International applicants must also provide transcripts (often with credential evaluation), financial documentation, and immigration forms; exact steps can vary by program and visa type. |
| Nursing-specific notes | Program-level English or testing standards unique to nursing are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages; confirm directly with Samford’s international admissions and Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing. |
Requirements for international students and foreign-educated nurses can change quickly. Treat this section as guidance, not immigration or licensure advice, and verify details with Samford’s international office and the Alabama Board of Nursing before making decisions.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Moffett & Sanders describes its BSN and second-degree programs as competitive. Public-facing materials emphasize standardized test minimums and holistic review, but do not spell out a single minimum GPA or a TEAS/HESI requirement for the pre-licensure BSN.
| Factor | What Samford publishes |
|---|---|
| Standardized test minimums (traditional BSN) | Examples from BSN materials note an ACT composite score of at least 21 with a reading score of 22, or an SAT composite score of at least 1060 with a critical reading score of 570. |
| High-school preparation | College-prep curriculum and adequate performance in science and math are expected; Samford does not publish a single, precise minimum GPA for BSN admission in the sources reviewed. |
| TEAS / HESI requirements | Specific TEAS or HESI requirements for undergraduate BSN admission are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. Some graduate tracks use standardized exams and experience requirements (for example, CRNA), but these differ from BSN criteria. |
| Application notes | Samford emphasizes that meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance; space in the nursing cohort is limited. |
| Nursing acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed; Samford does not publish a percentage of BSN applicants admitted each year in the reviewed materials. |
Treat the published ACT/SAT thresholds as a starting point. To get a clearer picture of your chances, ask admissions what GPA range, test scores, and experiences are typical of recently admitted nursing students, and whether there is a separate internal application or progression requirement once you are enrolled at Samford.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Samford is a private university, and its tuition and fee structure differs substantially from Alabama public institutions. Financial services documents provide estimated direct (billed) costs for the 2025–26 academic year.
| Cost component | Estimated 2025–26 amount |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | Approximately $40,760 per academic year. |
| Required fees | Roughly $1,150–$1,400 per year, depending on housing status (on-campus vs. off-campus/at home). |
| Total direct cost (tuition + fees) | Approximately $41,910–$42,160 per year. |
| Total cost of attendance range | Including estimated housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses, Samford projects around $56,700–$71,400 per year depending on living situation. |
| Nursing-specific fees | Program or clinical fees for nursing are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages and should be confirmed with the nursing school and financial services. |
Because total cost can vary widely by housing choice and scholarship package, always pair these published estimates with Samford’s net price calculator and a one-on-one discussion with financial aid before committing to a multi-year plan.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
For employment, salary, and licensure outcomes tied to Samford University, use the program’s official disclosures, the Alabama Board of Nursing, and direct questions to admissions and career services. Results vary by cohort and how “placement” or “employment” is defined.
| Metric | How to verify |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN / NCLEX-PN | Use ABN program data and Samford University’s published cohort results; confirm reporting year and program track. |
| Job placement / employment | If Samford University publishes rates, note the source year and methodology; otherwise ask the school for the latest consumer or accreditation disclosures. |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing · Samford University nursing or institutional research pages. |
Is Samford University the Right Fit for You?
Samford may be a good fit if—
- You want a private, Christian university in Birmingham with a long history in nursing education.
- You value strong recent NCLEX-RN outcomes and are comfortable in smaller, cohort-based learning environments.
- You or your family have a plan to manage higher private-school costs through scholarships, grants, or savings.
- You are interested in a pathway that can continue into graduate nursing (for example, NP or nurse anesthesia) on the same campus.
Samford may not be ideal if—
- Your top priority is minimizing tuition and fees; community college ADN programs or public BSN options in Alabama may be significantly less expensive.
- You prefer a large public university environment or a more secular campus culture.
- You are uncomfortable taking on private-school debt loads or relying on aid packages that are not fully guaranteed over four years.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Clinical partnerships and community sites for Samford University change over time. Check the school’s nursing pages for current affiliates and use this section as a reminder to compare employer demand where you plan to work.
| Topic | Next step |
|---|---|
| Clinical sites | Confirm with Samford University which facilities host students for your program and term. |
| Regional employers | Review local health system career pages and state workforce summaries alongside ABN licensure trends. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Campus location, nursing facilities, simulation labs, student groups, and support services are specific to Samford University. Review the official nursing and student life pages—or visit—before assuming amenities match another school.
- Ask about simulation access, tutoring, and advising for nursing students.
- Confirm housing, transportation, and wellness resources on the main college or university site.
Resources & Next Steps
Use this section to quickly reach the nursing school, confirm official details, and structure your next week of research.
- Campus location
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Address
- 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229, United States
- Telephone number
- Not published on the school’s public nursing pages (check Samford’s nursing contact page).
- Contact email
- Not published on the school’s public nursing pages (use Samford’s contact forms or departmental directory).
- Website
- Samford University Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
- Review Samford’s official BSN and second-degree BSN pages plus the nursing section of the academic catalog to understand degree plans, clinical expectations, and progression standards.
- Download the most recent financial services PDFs and use the net price calculator to estimate your true out-of-pocket cost over the full length of the BSN, including housing and meal plans.
- Ask a Samford admissions or nursing representative what GPA, test scores, and experiences are typical of students who are actually admitted into recent cohorts.
- Request a multi-year NCLEX-RN outcomes summary and compare it with Alabama Board of Nursing data to see how Samford’s recent 100% pass streak fits into a longer-term trend.
- If you are an international or foreign-educated applicant, confirm the exact English-language test and score requirements, credential evaluation process, and any additional Board of Nursing steps.
- Talk with at least one current Samford nursing student or recent graduate about workload, clinical placements, and how well they felt prepared for the NCLEX-RN.
- Compare Samford with at least two other Alabama options—such as Auburn University at Montgomery, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, or a lower-cost community college ADN route followed by RN-to-BSN—before you submit a deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samford University a good school for nursing?
Samford’s Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing is CCNE-accredited. A September 2024 school news release reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for four consecutive BSN cohorts—confirm current cohorts with Samford and the Alabama Board of Nursing. Compare outcomes, costs, and culture to other Alabama programs before deciding.
How competitive is admission to Samford’s BSN?
Samford describes admission as competitive and notes that meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance. Public materials highlight standardized test thresholds—such as an ACT composite of at least 21 with a reading score of 22 or an SAT composite of at least 1060 with a critical reading score of 570, but do not publish a single minimum GPA or acceptance rate for the BSN in the sources reviewed.
Does Samford require the TEAS or HESI for nursing?
In the materials reviewed, Samford emphasizes ACT/SAT requirements and holistic review for undergraduate BSN admission; specific TEAS or HESI requirements for the BSN are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. Some graduate programs, such as nurse anesthesia, have their own experience and assessment expectations, so applicants should confirm current testing policy directly with the nursing school.
Does Samford offer a second-degree or accelerated BSN?
Yes. Samford lists a BSN pathway for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. The exact length and delivery format of the second-degree/accelerated option are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages, so prospective students should review the official program page and speak with an advisor about timeline, intensity, and clinical scheduling.
What are clinical placements like for Samford nursing students?
Samford notes that students complete clinical experiences in the Birmingham area, but specific partner hospitals and agencies were Not published on the school’s public nursing pages — confirm with the nursing department. Ask the nursing school for a current list of clinical partners, typical commute times, and how placements are assigned across cohorts.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for Samford?
Recent news reports from Samford highlight a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for four consecutive BSN cohorts, which exceeds recent national averages. For a full picture, request multi-year NCLEX results directly from Samford and compare them to Alabama Board of Nursing statistics that include cohort sizes and repeat testers.
How much does Samford cost compared with public options?
Published estimates for 2025–26 put Samford’s undergraduate tuition around $40,760 per year, with total direct costs near $42,000 before housing and meals—substantially higher than in-state tuition at Alabama public universities and community colleges. Use the net price calculator and compare your personalized aid package with at least one public BSN or ADN-plus-RN-BSN pathway before making a final decision.
References
- Samford University · Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing main site and BSN/second-degree pagessamford.edu/nursing
- Samford University news release: 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate for four consecutive BSN cohortssamford.edu/nursing/news
- Samford University academic catalog · nursing programscatalog.samford.edu
- Samford University financial services · undergraduate tuition, fees, and 2025–26 cost of attendancesamford.edu/financial-services
- Samford University Student Achievement and institutional effectivenesssamford.edu/student-achievement
- Samford University international admissions · English-language proficiency requirementssamford.edu/admission/international-students
- Alabama Board of Nursing · program approval listings and NCLEX-RN statisticsabn.alabama.gov
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid A. Abdala Balal writes evidence-based nursing school guides for NurseOnShift focused on NCLEX outcomes, admissions clarity, and realistic cost expectations.
Medical/fact review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, against publicly available Samford, accreditation, and state-level data sources. Where exact numbers (for example, cohort sizes, acceptance rates, or full multi-year NCLEX tables) were not published, they are labeled ‘Not publicly disclosed’ or ‘Not published on the school’s public nursing pages’ rather than being estimated.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, immigration, financial, or admissions advice. Requirements, tuition, policies, and outcomes change; always verify details directly with Samford University, the Alabama Board of Nursing, and other official bodies before making decisions.
Published: Apr 2, 2026Last reviewed: Apr 2, 2026