Philander Smith University
A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%; earnings barely cover the debt load. 68% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.
About This School
Philander Smith University is a private nonprofit institution located in Little Rock, Arkansas with approximately 751 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $14,224 per year. The graduation rate is 30%, and the typical graduate earns $27,300 within 10 years of enrollment.
Philander Smith University is a private historically black college in Little Rock, Arkansas. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is a founding member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Philander Smith University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 32% graduation rate and median earnings of $27,300 a decade out are real concerns that deserve serious thought before enrolling. That said, the $15,360 average net price and relatively low median debt of $14,750 make this one of the more affordable HBCU options, and its UNCF membership and United Methodist affiliation provide access to scholarship networks that can soften costs further. Worth considering if you're drawn to a close-knit, mission-driven community and have a clear academic plan — but go in with eyes open about the completion and earnings data.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 7% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (751 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
Philander Smith University
900 W. Daisy Bates Drive
Little Rock, AR 72202-3799
Official Links
Other Schools in Arkansas
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR · Public
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR · Public
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR · Public
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR · Public
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Bentonville, AR · Public
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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