Philander Smith University: $13,014 Tuition

$13,014Tuition

842Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,427Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCUUnited Methodist

About Philander Smith University

Philander Smith University builds leaders through its historically black liberal arts tradition in Arkansas's capital city. The 842-student campus emphasizes community service and academic excellence with strong ties to the United Methodist Church. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. The Panthers compete in 10 NAIA sports with 107 total athletes, fostering school spirit on the midsize Little Rock campus.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $15,360 after aid, with 71% receiving financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $38,427 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $24,736. The monthly loan payment of $262 represents a significant portion of early-career earnings. The low 39% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle financially after leaving campus.

Academic outcomes present mixed results. The 32% six-year graduation rate falls below national averages, though the 96% employment rate shows graduates find work. Over three-quarters of students are Black, maintaining the university's mission as an HBCU. The 67% retention rate indicates some students transfer or leave before completing their degrees. Campus housing accommodates 518 students, creating a tight-knit residential community.

Academics & Faculty

Philander Smith University operates as a historically black liberal arts college with deep roots in the United Methodist tradition. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students by name. The university emphasizes community service and social justice as core components of its liberal arts mission. However, the 32.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face in completing their degrees. The college offers traditional liberal arts programs alongside pre-professional tracks in areas like education and social work. With 842 students on campus, the small size allows for personalized attention but may limit research opportunities compared to larger institutions.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 31.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 32.3%
Retention Rate: 67.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,427
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.	Bachelor	$46,087
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Bachelor	$25,774
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$25,194
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$20,140

View all 17 programs →

Campus Life

This historically black university sits in Arkansas's capital city with 842 students spread across a compact urban campus. About 61% of students live in dorms that house 518 total residents, creating a tight-knit community where you'll recognize faces walking between classes. Little Rock's mild winters mean you'll need a light jacket but rarely heavy coats, while summers require sunscreen and plenty of water.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally. Panthers athletics brings students together for NAIA competition across 10 varsity sports, with 107 student-athletes representing about 13% of the student body. Weekend life often centers around campus events and exploring Little Rock's downtown scene just minutes away. The United Methodist heritage shows in the school's emphasis on service learning and community engagement. With 79% of students being Black and strong ties to civil rights history, cultural celebrations and social justice discussions are woven into campus conversations. Greek life and student organizations provide additional ways to build lasting friendships in this close community.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 518 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1877

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–50°F
July Avg: 71°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.4"
Annual Snowfall: 3.8"

Student Demographics

Philander Smith draws students seeking an intimate HBCU experience in Arkansas's capital city. The student body of 842 is predominantly African American, reflecting the university's mission as a historically black institution. More than 70% receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income students. Students come from across the region, with about 40% from Arkansas and others drawn by the Methodist-affiliated liberal arts tradition. The nearly even gender split reflects broad appeal across academic programs. Small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio create tight-knit campus communities.

Men: 47.9%
Women: 52.1%
White: 4.4%
Black: 79.2%
Hispanic: 3.6%
Asian: 0.1%
In-State Students: 42.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 71.4%

Location

Philander Smith University sits in Little Rock, the capital and largest city of Arkansas. Little Rock serves as the state's political and economic center, with a metropolitan population of around 730,000 people. The city blends Southern charm with urban amenities, featuring the Arkansas River waterfront and a growing downtown district. Students have access to internships at state government offices, healthcare systems, and regional businesses. The campus occupies 25 acres in the heart of the city, putting students within walking distance of museums, restaurants, and cultural venues. Little Rock's central location means students are about 135 miles from Memphis and 300 miles from both Dallas and St. Louis. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Philander Smith University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Little Rock, Arkansas 72202-3799

Philander Smith College Harry R. Kendall Center

Philander Smith College Cox Administration Building

Philander Smith College Donald W. Reynolds Library & Technology Center

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,427
Median Earnings (5 years): $40,298
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 38.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $262/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,736

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Philander Smith University?

The university enrolls 842 students with a 52.14% female majority. As a historically black college founded in 1877, it serves predominantly African American students who make up 79.22% of enrollment. The intimate campus creates a close-knit community focused on liberal arts education and service.

How much does Philander Smith University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,360 after aid, with 71.39% receiving financial assistance. The same percentage qualifies for Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving students from lower-income backgrounds. Graduates leave with a median debt of $24,736 and monthly loan payments of $262.

What are the academics like at Philander Smith University?

Classes are small with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in liberal arts programs. The university operates on a semester system and emphasizes community service as part of its United Methodist heritage. However, only 31.46% of students graduate within four years.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Philander Smith University?

Graduates earn a median salary of $38,427 ten years after graduation, with a strong employment rate of 95.7%. The university's focus on liberal arts and community service prepares students for diverse career paths. However, only 38.69% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans.

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

The campus sits in Little Rock, Arkansas, offering students access to the state capital's internships and cultural opportunities. Housing capacity serves 518 students, creating a residential community atmosphere. The Panthers compete in NAIA athletics with 107 student-athletes across 10 varsity sports.

Is Philander Smith University diverse in terms of geographic reach?

The student body draws from both in-state (42.16%) and out-of-state (57.84%) students, creating geographic diversity despite the small size. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition of $13,014, making it accessible for students nationwide. This approach reflects the HBCU tradition of welcoming students regardless of their home state.