Philander Smith University
Philander Smith University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Philander Smith University Worth It?
At a value score of 21/100, Philander Smith University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $38,427 — 29% below average — while paying $14,224/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 31% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $24,736 representing 64% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Philander Smith University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Philander Smith University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in AR
Ranked #80 of 173 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #4 | Brescia University | 67 | $8,709 | $45,500 |
| #5 | Baptist University of Florida | 64 | $10,372 | $42,836 |
| #6 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #80 | Philander Smith University | 21 | $14,224 | $38,427 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Philander Smith University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in AR.
Best Programs at Philander Smith University
The highest-earning program at Philander Smith University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $24,800/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Philander Smith University earns $24,800, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $24,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $31,000 in median debt vs. $31,000 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,224/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $24,800 | $24,800 | $31,000 |
Similar Colleges in AR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Little Rock, AR
- Student Body
- 751 students
- Graduation Rate
- 31%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,224
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $38,427
- Median Student Debt
- $24,736