Philander Smith University
Little Rock, Arkansas · City: MidsizeOfficial Website ↗
Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology →
Philander Smith University, a historically Black college and university, is a private nonprofit four-year university located in Little Rock, Arkansas. The college enrolls approximately 848 undergraduate students. Annual tuition is $11,804, significantly below average for private colleges. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay an average net price of $17,548 after grants and scholarships — reflecting aid availability at the institution. The six-year graduation rate is 32%, which is below average compared to the national average of 63%.
Average annual net price after grants & scholarships, by family income
The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.
- ✓Tuition ($11,804/yr) is well below the national average for private nonprofit colleges
- ✓Small campus environment (848 students) — more personal attention and close-knit community
- ·Graduation rate of 32% is below the national average — research completion support services
This college is a strong fit for students who prefer smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships.
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — not the sticker price. File the FAFSA every year to maximize your aid package.
All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.
Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.