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Philander Smith University

Philander Smith University

Little Rock, AR · City · 751 students
WebsiteScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$14,224
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
31%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
43% typical
$38,427
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$45,606 typical
Open admission
Acceptance rate
75% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Founded in 1877, Philander Smith University is a private, historically Black university affiliated with the United Methodist Church, located in Little Rock and renowned for its deep institutional commitment to social justice and leadership. Academically, the university is best known for robust programs in business administration, biology, criminal justice, and social work, bolstered by its distinctive Social Justice Institute that weaves advocacy and activism directly into the curriculum. Student life is defined by a close-knit, supportive HBCU culture anchored in vibrant campus traditions, Greek life, and active civic engagement throughout central Arkansas.


Wikipedia: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.

Location
Little Rock, AR, 72202-3799 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
MEM · Memphis
132 mi away
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$13,014
Housing & food (on campus)$10,000
Books & supplies$1,200
Cost of attendance$28,136
Average net price$14,224
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$13,014
Housing & food (on campus)$10,000
Books & supplies$1,200
Cost of attendance$28,136
Average net price$14,224
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$13,393
$30–48k
$14,606
$48–75k
$16,686
$75–110k
$12,847
$110k+
$15,800
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
31%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
20%
Back for yr 2
66%
Transferred
17%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
39% graduated · 26% transferred · 34% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$25,254
10 yrs after entry$38,427
Debt
Median at graduation$24,736
Monthly payment$262
Middle 50% owe$5.5k–$27k
90th percentile$40,000
Admissions

No admissions data available for this college.

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Essay prompts

If Philander Smith University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the school's application.

Student Body
Gender
Men 49%Women 51%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
11 : 1
Pell grant
68%
First-gen
43%
Family income
$18,743
Independent
24%
Age at entry
21.0
Part-time
16%
Race & ethnicity
White
7%
Hispanic
3%
Black
79%
Two or more
1%
Non-resident
8%
Unknown
1%
Varsity sports
NAIA Division I · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$25,254
After 10 yrs
$38,427
Business Administration, Management and Operations37
Biology, General20
Psychology, General18
Computer Science11
Criminal Justice and Corrections11
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods8
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness8
Social Work6
Mathematics5
English Language and Literature, General4
Sociology3
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities2
Philosophy and Religious Studies, General2
Political Science and Government2
Chemistry1
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$15M
Full-time faculty
100%
Faculty salary
$7,335/mo
Teaching spend
$6,043
per student
Federal loans
58%
Classification
Carnegie type
Baccalaureate — diverse fields
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

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