Philander Smith University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Little Rock, Arkansas with 751 undergraduates. It has open admission, costs an average of $22,153 a year after grants and graduates 36% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Philander Smith University acceptance rate and admissions
Philander Smith University has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
Philander Smith University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $13,014 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $10,000 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $28,340 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $22,153 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $22,153 a year after grants and scholarships, $6,187 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Philander Smith University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Philander Smith University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 36% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $40,195 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $29,375 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 73% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Philander Smith University majors and what graduates earn
Philander Smith University awarded bachelor's degrees in 16 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from business administration ($43,163).
All 16 majors at Philander Smith University
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business administration | 35 | $35,354 | $43,163 | n/a |
| Biology | 14 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Criminal justice | 13 | $41,119 | n/a | n/a |
| Psychology | 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by grade level | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Social work | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Computer science | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Liberal arts and general studies | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Sociology | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Chemistry | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Political science | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Art and design, general | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| English | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Philosophy and Religious Studies, General | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Philander Smith University
1 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 1 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business administration | Master's | 17 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 751 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 51% women, 49% men
- 11 students for every faculty member
- Setting: midsize city
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into Philander Smith University?
No. Philander Smith University has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does Philander Smith University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $13,014. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $22,153 a year in 2024-25.
What is the graduation rate at Philander Smith University?
36% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Philander Smith University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $40,195 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Arkansas · colleges in Little Rock · Philander Smith University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.