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 leaves you with a weak financial return. Ten years out, the typical graduate earns $38,427, which sits below what many workers with no degree make in Little Rock. You take on median debt near $25,000 to reach that outcome, so the math is tight even in a good scenario.
The programs split sharply. The general business track pays about $46,087 and carries the lowest debt on the list, so that is the one degree here that clearly clears your loan payments. Everything else drops off a cliff. Business Administration graduates earn around $25,000 while carrying $27,000 in debt, the worst pairing on campus: you borrow the most to earn the least. Biological and physical sciences and health/fitness land in the same low-$20,000s range. Picking one of those majors over general business roughly halves your earnings.
The biggest risk here is not finishing. Only 32% of you graduate, and a third of you leave after the first year. Debt does not disappear when you drop out, so you can end up with loan balances and no degree to pay them off. That risk hits harder because 71% of you receive Pell Grants, meaning most of you come in with little financial cushion.
The net price tiers are unusual. Families under $30,000 pay about the same as families earning $48,000 to $75,000, so lower income does not buy you a lower bill here. The jump comes at $75,000 to $110,000, where the price climbs past $20,000. If your family sits in that band, you pay the most for the same weak outcomes.
This school fits you if you commit to the general business track and expect to graduate. If you are drawn to the sciences or health majors, or you are unsure you will finish, the debt is hard to justify and you should look elsewhere.
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.