At $15,360/yr net price, Philander Smith University graduates earn $38,427/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,427/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,360 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,440 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,427/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,427/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,736 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,661/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,460/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,092/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,335/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $19,172 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Bachelor | $25,774 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
32.3% of students at Philander Smith University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Philander Smith University delivers weak financial returns with graduates earning just $38,427 ten years after college while carrying nearly $25,000 in debt. The low graduation rate of 32% means most students who enroll never finish their degree, making this a high-risk financial investment.
Business programs offer the clearest path to decent earnings, with specialized business services graduates earning $46,087 annually and carrying lower debt loads of $19,172. However, general business administration majors earn only $25,194 while taking on $27,000 in debt, creating a poor debt-to-income ratio. Health and physical education majors face particularly challenging financial outcomes with starting salaries around $20,140.
Your biggest financial risk here is the graduation rate. With two-thirds of students failing to complete their degree, you face substantial odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The 67% retention rate signals many students struggle academically or financially in their first year.
This school makes financial sense only if you receive substantial aid that brings your actual costs well below the $15,360 net price, or if you have strong academic preparation that puts you among the minority who graduate. Students uncertain about their major or academic readiness should consider community college first or four-year schools with higher completion rates.
The 71% of students receiving aid suggests generous need-based assistance, but you need to verify your aid package covers enough to make the investment worthwhile given the earnings and completion challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philander Smith University worth the cost compared to other schools?
With graduates earning $38,427 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $15,360 annually, Philander Smith offers modest returns that may not justify the cost for many students. The 32% graduation rate means most students don't complete their degree, making the investment particularly risky.
What are the best paying majors at Philander Smith University?
Business, Management, and Marketing graduates earn the highest median salary at $46,087, while Health and Physical Education graduates earn just $20,140. The earnings gap between programs is significant, with some majors offering poor financial returns.
How much student debt do Philander Smith University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $24,736, which is manageable compared to the typical graduate earnings of $38,427. However, this only accounts for the 32% of students who actually graduate.
Should I attend Philander Smith University for a good return on investment?
The low graduation rate and modest earnings make Philander Smith a risky investment for most students. Consider the school only if you're committed to finishing your degree and choosing a higher-paying program like business or management.