Philander Smith University (PSU)

Private nonprofit four-year university in Little Rock, AR that costs an average of $22,153 a year after financial aid and graduates 36% of full-time students.

Net price / year
$22,153
Acceptance rate
Open
Graduation rate
36%
Earnings after 10 yrs
$40,195

HBCUPrivate nonprofitMidsize city751 undergraduates

Cost of PSU

Total cost of attendance (per year)$28,340
Tuition and fees, in-state$13,014
Housing and food (on campus)$10,000
Books and supplies$1,200
Average net price after aid$22,153

Net price by family income

Family incomeAverage net price / year
$0–30,000$22,078
$30,001–48,000$22,352
$48,001–75,000$22,192
$75,001–110,000$22,110
$110,001+$22,147

Net price is what students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Get your own estimate with PSU's net price calculator ↗.

Admissions

Acceptance rateOpen admission (everyone admitted)

Graduation, earnings and debt

Graduation rate36%
First-year retention66%
Median earnings 6 years after enrolling$32,067
Median earnings 10 years after enrolling$40,195
Rank in Arkansas (earnings)21st of 22 similar colleges
Median debt of graduates$29,375
Typical monthly loan payment$334 (10-year plan)
Students with Pell grants62%
Students with federal loans62%

Majors and programs at PSU

Earnings one year after graduation and median debt, by program. Click a program for details and comparisons.

Bachelor's degree programs (18)

ProgramGraduates (2 yrs)Earnings after 1 yrMedian debt
Criminal Justice and Corrections24$41,119—
Business Administration, Management and Operations72$35,354—
Biological and Physical Sciences—$22,178—
Biology34——
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other———
Chemistry2——
Computer Science16——
English Language and Literature4——
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities5——
Mathematics7——
Philosophy and Religious Studies2——
Political Science and Government3——
Psychology30——
Social Work12——
Sociology5——
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness13——
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods15——
Visual and Performing Arts1——

Master's degree programs (1)

ProgramGraduates (2 yrs)Earnings after 1 yrMedian debt
Business Administration, Management and Operations17——

Graduate certificate programs (1)

ProgramGraduates (2 yrs)Earnings after 1 yrMedian debt
Business Administration, Management and Operations———

Similar colleges in Arkansas

CollegeCityNet price / yrAcceptanceEarnings
University of the OzarksClarksville$17,19260%$44,113
Lyon CollegeBatesville$14,40063%$49,833
Hendrix CollegeConway$23,17756%$59,310
Central Baptist CollegeConway$20,27663%$49,734
Williams Baptist UniversityWalnut Ridge$17,81483%$47,042
John Brown UniversitySiloam Springs$22,47676%$58,769
Ouachita Baptist UniversityArkadelphia$25,34368%$52,333
Arkansas Baptist CollegeLittle Rock$12,951—$35,793

All colleges in Arkansas →

About PSU

TypePrivate nonprofit four-year university
LocationLittle Rock, AR
SettingMidsize city
Undergraduates751
Student-to-faculty ratio11 to 1
AccreditorHigher Learning Commission
Websitephilander.edu ↗

Frequently asked questions

How much does PSU cost per year?

The full cost of attendance is $28,340 a year (tuition and fees: $13,014). After grants and scholarships the average student pays $22,153 a year, and students from families earning under $30,000 pay about $22,078.

How much do PSU graduates earn?

Former students earn a median of $40,195 a year, 10 years after first enrolling — 21st of 22 similar colleges in Arkansas. The best-paid bachelor's program is criminal justice and corrections ($41,119 a year after graduation).

What is PSU's graduation rate?

36% of full-time students graduate within six years, and 66% of first-year students return for a second year.