Philander Smith University
Philander Smith University is a private nonprofit university in Little Rock, AR ranked #1260 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, and enrolling about 751 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.
Academically, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 65.7% first-year retention, and 30.4% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $14,224, about $2,774 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -55.6%, roughly 140.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $25,254. That's about $18,434 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Philander Smith University has annual tuition of $13,014, average net price of $14,224, and a national rank of #1260 (Grade B-), with a 30.4% six-year graduation rate, about 751 undergraduates, and median earnings of $25,254 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Philander Smith University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Philander Smith University graduates 30.4% of students within six years and keeps 65.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Philander Smith University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $13,014 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,000 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,312 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $28,136 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 67.8% of Philander Smith University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $13,393 to $15,800 depending on family income. Use Philander Smith University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $12,847/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $15,800/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $25,254
- 10-Year Median Earnings $25,254
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 38.7%
- Employment Rate 89.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Philander Smith University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Philander Smith University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Philander Smith University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Philander Smith University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Philander Smith University graduates earn $25,254 median, the -55.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 751
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 65.7%
- Graduation Rate 30.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Philander Smith University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Philander Smith University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Philander Smith University is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Philander Smith University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 30.0%
- Psychology, General 12.5%
- Biology, General 11.7%
- Social Work 10.0%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 9.2%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.8%
See more majors
- Chemistry 4.2%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $41,548
- 2. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $40,783
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $41,548—2% more than Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other ($40,783). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Philander Smith University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 36 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Social Work (Bachelor's Degree, 12 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (15 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Social Work
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Political Science and Government
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- English Language and Literature, General
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, General
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Biological and Physical Sciences
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 751
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 48.7%
- Female Students 51.3%
- Caucasian 6.7%
- Asian 0.0%
- Hispanic 3.1%
- Black 78.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 67.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Philander Smith University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Philander Smith University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Philander Smith University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Philander Smith University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Philander Smith University has a diverse student body, with 6.7% identifying as White. 67.8% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Philander Smith University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Philander Smith University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Philander Smith University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -55.6% ROI. Ranked #1260 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $14,224 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $25,254 median earnings. With 30.4% graduating within six years and 65.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Philander Smith University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1260 ranking, Philander Smith University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $14,224 annually, Philander Smith University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 65.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $9,957 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -55.6% ROI and $25,254 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $4,224+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Philander Smith University ranks #1260 of 6101 institutions, with 1241 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 30.4% six-year graduation rate sits 32.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 65.7% first-year retention is 11.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -55.6% return on investment is 140.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $25,254 run about 42% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $14,224 is roughly $3,173 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 65.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.2% employment rate within three years sits 21.0 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Little Rock, AR, Philander Smith University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It appears at #1260 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (C), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (A).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 65.7% retention and 30.4% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -55.6%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $14,224 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,136.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,912 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 67.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $25,254 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 42% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 89.2% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -55.6%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Philander Smith University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Philander Smith University cost?
At Philander Smith University, listed tuition and fees are $13,014 per year, and the average net price after aid is $14,224. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Philander Smith University's ranking?
Philander Smith University ranks #1260 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Philander Smith University's graduation rate?
At Philander Smith University, the six-year graduation rate is 30.4%, and first-year retention is 65.7%.
What are Philander Smith University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Philander Smith University report median earnings of $25,254 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Philander Smith University's student population?
Philander Smith University enrolls about 751 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Little Rock, AR 72202-3799
- Website www.philander.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$16.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate36.5%