Philander Smith University
About Philander Smith University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Philander Smith College is located in Little Rock, AR. Tuition is $13,014 per year, serving approximately 766 students.
Founded
1877
Location
Little Rock, Arkansas
Students
776
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
30.4%
Below national average
Tuition
$13,014
Per year
Avg Net Price
$14,224
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$38,427
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
30.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
65.7%
4-Year Grad
12%
6-Year Grad
28%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$6.0K
Class Size
Medium
The 12% graduation rate is below average, but 65.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$13,014
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,000
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,136
After Financial Aid
$14,224
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,393
Receive Grants
67.8%
Take Loans
57.6%
The total cost of attendance runs about $28,136/yr, including $10,000 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $14,224.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Philander Smith University fund their education.
While in School
67.8%
Get Grants
Free money
57.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$18,743
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$24,736
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$262/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $24,736 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Philander Smith University.
Gender
51.3%
Female
49%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
751
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
25
Graduates
43%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
22.9%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (51% women, 49% men). 43% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 8.4% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
751
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Baccalaureate
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Philander Smith University fields 6 varsity teams with 161 student athletes, about 21% of the student body.
Division
NAIA
Division I
Conference
Gulf Coast
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
6
Biggest: Baseball
Student Athletes
161
21% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
58% / 42%
93
Men
68
Women
5
Men's Teams
5
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Philander Smith Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$38,427
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$27K
37 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
—
20 grads
Psychology, General
—
18 grads
Computer Science
—
11 grads
Criminal Justice and Corrections
—
11 grads
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
—
8 grads
Median earnings are $38K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Philander Smith University
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.