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Colleges / AR / Little Rock
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Philander Smith University

Private nonprofit Little Rock, AR · Urban · Southeast · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
31%
Graduation Rate
$38,427
Earnings (10yr)
$14,224
Net Price
751
Enrollment

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Overview

Philander Smith University has a unique position with a 68% Pell Grant rate, indicating strong support for low-income students. This reflects the university's commitment to accessibility and affordability in higher education. With a small enrollment of 751, students can expect a more personalized educational experience.

According to Opportunity Insights data, while specific mobility metrics are not available, the environment fosters potential for upward economic movement. Graduates typically earn around $38,427 ten years after starting their degree. This suggests that while the graduation rate stands at 31%, those who do complete their studies can find pathways to improved financial stability.

The net price for attending Philander Smith is $14,224, with a median debt of $24,736. Students who thrive here are often those interested in programs like Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Education. This university caters to individuals who value a supportive community and are motivated to succeed despite the challenges they may face.

Rankings

How Philander Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation31%Earnings 10yr$38KNet Price$14KRetention66%Median Debt$25KPell Grant Rate68%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$13K$0-30K$15K$30-48K$17K$48-75K$16K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%3531.2%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%281.5%MOBILITY99.40%

Cost & Financial Aid

$13,014
In-State Tuition
$13,014
Out-of-State
$14,224
Avg Net Price
$24,736
Median Debt
68%
Pell Grant Rate
58%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$13,393
Family Income $0–$30K
$14,606
Family Income $30K–$48K
$16,686
Family Income $48K–$75K
$15,800
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$25,254
6 Years After Entry
$31,824
8 Years
$38,427
10 Years
0.64x
Debt-to-Earnings
41%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$25,254 6yr $31,824 8yr $38,427 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

99.40%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
281.5%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
3531.2%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$32,000
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.10
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.07
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
4.1%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 66%
Full-Time Faculty 100%
Faculty Salary (mo) $7,335
Diversity Index 0.37
First-Gen Students 43%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 33%
Biology & Biomedical 13%
Criminal Justice 12%
Psychology 11%
Education 7%
Computer Science & IT 5%
Social Sciences 3%
Humanities 3%