Private nonprofit Institution

Philander Smith University — Little Rock, Arkansas

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Annual Tuition $13,014

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 842

Active Students

Avg. Salary $38,427

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Little Rock, Arkansas

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Higher Learning Commission

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Philander Smith University stands as a pillar of higher education in Little Rock, providing a robust academic foundation for 842 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Philander Smith University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Philander Smith University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

26.8%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

14.5%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

13%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement

Enrollment Share

Education

5.8%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Philander Smith University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Philander Smith University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%

Difficulty Low

Philander Smith University maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 47.9%

Women Enrollment 52.1%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Philander Smith University follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to Philander Smith University's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Philander Smith University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $13,014

Out-of-State Tuition $13,014

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 71.4%

Median Student Debt $24,736

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $13,014, graduates see a median starting salary of $38,427, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Arkansas.

What salary can Philander Smith University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $38,427

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 32.3%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $15,360

Median Salary (6yr) $25,254

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Philander Smith University in Little Rock?

842 Students

Gender Comparison

47.9% Men

52.1% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

67.3%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

Pacific Islander

Asian

0.1%

Black

79.2%

White

4.4%

Unknown

1.8%

Hispanic

3.6%

Two or More Races

1.2%

International

7.7%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 21

🎓

First-Generation 43%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 90.8%

💍

Married Students 2%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 33.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$45,434
Average Family Income	$23,559
Median Family Income	$18,743

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52.6%

47.4%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Little Rock Campus Environment

Located at 900 W. Daisy Bates Drive, Philander Smith University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Arkansas. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Philander Smith University compare?

Direct Comparison Philander Smith University vs Arkansas at Little Rock →

Direct Comparison Philander Smith University vs Arkansas for Medical Sciences →

Direct Comparison Philander Smith University vs Arkansas Baptist College →

Direct Comparison Philander Smith University vs Arkansas Beauty School-Little Rock →

Common Questions about Philander Smith University

Is Philander Smith University a good college in Little Rock, Arkansas?

Philander Smith University is a recognized institution in Little Rock with an enrollment of 842 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Arkansas based on Department of Education data.

Is Philander Smith University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Philander Smith University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $38,427. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Philander Smith University cost for Arkansas residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Philander Smith University is approximately $13,014. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $13,014. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Philander Smith University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Philander Smith University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 90.8% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Philander Smith University good for Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences programs?

Philander Smith University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Philander Smith University?

Graduates of Philander Smith University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $38,427, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Philander Smith University?

Philander Smith University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Philander Smith University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Philander Smith University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Philander Smith University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Philander Smith University earn a median salary of $38,427 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Philander Smith University a good investment compared to other AR colleges?

Philander Smith University stands out as a high-value investment in Arkansas. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Philander Smith University located and what is the campus like?

Philander Smith University is located at 900 W. Daisy Bates Drive in Little Rock, AR. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 842 learners.

Who typically attends Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR?

The student body at Philander Smith University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 43% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Arkansas

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Philander Smith University with other leading institutions in Arkansas across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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