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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Philander Smith College

Little Rock, Arkansas · www.philander.edu

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Tuition per year

$13,014

$23,014 with room and board

Peer median $33,770

Undergraduates

755

Student-faculty ratio 11:1

Peer median 11 : 1

Graduation rate

16.1%

4-year; 6-year rate 30.5%

Peer median 45.1%

“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Philander Smith University, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a historically black university established in 1877. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and emphasizes the importance of academic excellence, social justice, and community service. The university's motto, "Enter to Learn; Depart to Serve," encapsulates its commitment to educating students not only academically but also morally and ethically, encouraging them to contribute positively to society.

The university offers a range of undergraduate programs, including degrees in the fields of business, education, social sciences, and health professions. Its small class sizes foster a close-knit community, allowing for personalized attention from faculty members who are dedicated to student success. Philander Smith University is also known for its vibrant campus culture, which includes various student organizations, cultural events, and athletic programs that promote student engagement and leadership. The university's commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment is reflected in its diverse student body and initiatives aimed at enhancing student life and learning experiences. Overall, Philander Smith University stands out as a beacon of higher education, preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

Analysis of Key Trends at Philander Smith University

Philander Smith University, a private institution, has shown notable trends in tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates over the years. The tuition for undergraduate students has steadily increased, from $12,514 in 2014 to $13,014 in 2024, indicating a significant financial burden on students and their families. This increase aligns with national trends in rising college costs, which could impact accessibility for prospective students.

Student enrollment also presents an interesting narrative. The number of undergraduate students rose from 556 in 2014 to a peak of 1,000 in 2019, followed by a decline to 769 by 2023. This fluctuation may reflect changing demographics, economic conditions, or the institution's marketing effectiveness. The drop in enrollment during the pandemic years could be attributed to broader challenges faced by many educational institutions, including shifts to online learning and financial uncertainties.

Graduation rates reveal both progress and ongoing challenges. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates improved from 2.4% in 2013 to 37.0% in 2021, demonstrating better retention and support systems for students. However, the rate dipped to 24.5% in 2023, suggesting potential difficulties in maintaining this momentum. Conversely, the 150% graduation rate, which captures a broader timeframe for completion, reflects a more stable trend, indicating that while timely graduation may be a challenge, students are eventually completing their degrees.

Lastly, the retention rate has fluctuated, peaking at 78.4% in 2015 but declining in subsequent years before rebounding to 72.2% in 2023. This fluctuation points to the importance of student support services and community engagement in enhancing student experiences and outcomes.

Overall, while Philander Smith University has made strides in certain areas, the institution must address the challenges of rising tuition, fluctuating enrollment, and graduation rates to ensure long-term sustainability and success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
In Little Rock
Nearest international airport
Frederick W. Smith International Airport (MEM), about 130 mi
Little Rock, Arkansas
Also known as
PSU
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
United Methodist
President
Dr. Maurice D.Gipson (President and CEO)
Phone
5013759845
City
Little Rock, Arkansas
Address
900 W. Daisy Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202-3799

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's839 international (10.8%)
Master's80 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
25
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
11
Psychology, General
8
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
8
Social Work
7
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
6
Computer Science
4
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
3
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
3
Political Science and Government, General
3

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's8 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Philander Smith University 2023

The graduation data from Philander Smith University highlights notable trends in the distribution of degrees across various disciplines. Business Administration and Management stands out as the leading program, with 37 graduates at the bachelor's level and 2 international students. This aligns with broader trends in higher education, where business degrees remain highly sought after due to their versatility and applicability in various industries.

In the sciences, Biology and Chemistry programs show modest numbers, with 20 and 1 graduates respectively. The emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has been a focal point in recent years, but the low graduation figures in these areas may indicate the need for enhanced support and resources to attract more students.

Interestingly, Computer Science has seen a significant proportion of its graduates as international students, with 7 out of 11 total graduates. This reflects the global demand for tech talent and the increasing appeal of the U.S. as a destination for international students pursuing degrees in technology fields.

Moreover, social sciences, including Psychology and Sociology, show lower graduation numbers, which could suggest shifting interests among students or the challenges faced by these programs in attracting and retaining enrollees.

Overall, the data suggests that while certain programs thrive, others may require strategic initiatives to boost enrollment and graduation rates, particularly in the sciences and social sciences. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, it will be crucial for institutions to adapt to these changes to meet the needs of students and the job market.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Businesshas 33 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$35,354
Biologyhas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Homeland security has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.$41,119
Psychology has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Psychology, General.-
Public administrationhas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Social Work.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Computer Science.-
Educationhas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Liberal arts has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
Visual and Performing artshas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Social sciencehas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Political Science and Government, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Mathematics, General.-

Students

780 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 48:52 · Freshman retention 65.7%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (755)

Black
594 · 78.7%
International
63 · 8.3%
White
50 · 6.6%
Hispanic
23 · 3.0%
Unknown
11 · 1.5%
Two or more races
9 · 1.2%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Philander Smith University

The student composition data for Philander Smith University in 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding gender and racial diversity among its undergraduate and graduate populations. The total enrollment figures indicate a predominance of female students, particularly notable among undergraduates, where the female-to-male ratio stands at approximately 51.1% to 48.9% for new freshmen and 62.9% to 37.1% for upperclassmen. This trend suggests a growing attraction of the university for female students, which could reflect broader societal shifts towards higher female enrollment in higher education.

In terms of racial diversity, the data shows a significant representation of various ethnic groups. While specific numbers for all categories are not fully available, it is essential to recognize the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the demographics of the broader community. As universities across the United States continue to emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion, Philander Smith University appears to be on a promising path in achieving these goals.

The low number of graduate students and the minimal representation of certain ethnic groups, such as Pacific Islanders and international students, warrant further investigation. This could indicate barriers to entry for these populations or highlight areas where the university could improve its outreach and support services.

Overall, the demographic data for Philander Smith University reflects a complex interplay of gender and racial diversity, suggesting both opportunities and challenges for the institution as it strives to create an equitable educational environment for all students.

Analysis of Age Distribution at Philander Smith University in 2023

The age distribution of students at Philander Smith University presents an intriguing snapshot of the demographic makeup for the academic year 2023. The data reveals a predominance of younger students, particularly those in the 18-19 age range, comprising a significant 34% of the total student body. This trend aligns with the national averages where traditional-age students (18-24) represent a substantial portion of university enrollments.

Interestingly, the 20-21 age group follows closely, accounting for 32% of the total, which further emphasizes the university's appeal to younger, undergraduate students. However, as we move into older age brackets, particularly those aged 25 and above, the enrollment numbers decline sharply. For instance, students aged 25-29 make up only 6% of the total population, with even lower percentages for the subsequent age groups.

The data also highlights the absence of graduate male students in the age categories, which raises questions about the university's graduate programs and their attractiveness to male students. Conversely, female students dominate the undergraduate population, especially in the 18-21 age range, suggesting a potential trend of higher female enrollment in undergraduate studies.

This age composition reflects broader societal trends where younger individuals are increasingly opting for higher education directly after high school. Nevertheless, the lack of representation among older students could indicate barriers to returning to education or a need for tailored programs that cater to non-traditional students. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for university policy and marketing strategies in attracting a diverse student body.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates8.3%

63 in 2025 · 5.3% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 5.3%2017: 2.9%2018: 1.8%2019: 1.7%2020: 3.4%2021: 3.9%2022: 5.4%2023: 6.6%2024: 7.7%2025: 8.3%
2016Peer median 3.6%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2024

0% 5% 10% 2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2024Peer median 1.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Philander Smith University

The data on international students at Philander Smith University reflects fluctuating trends over the years, particularly in undergraduate enrollment. Initially, from 2004 to 2008, the number of international students was relatively low, with percentages well below 5%. However, there was a notable increase starting in 2009, peaking at 7.91% in 2014, which indicates a growing interest among international students during this period.

The increase in the international student population can be attributed to various factors, including the university's outreach initiatives, scholarship opportunities, and the global emphasis on diversity in higher education. The sharp rise in 2011 and 2013 suggests effective recruitment strategies or favorable geopolitical conditions that made the university an attractive option for international students.

However, the subsequent years saw fluctuations again, with a slight decline in 2015 and 2018. This could be linked to broader issues such as changes in immigration policies or global economic conditions affecting students' ability to study abroad. The data from 2020 onwards shows a resurgence in international enrollment, culminating in 2023 with 6.63%, the highest percentage since 2014.

Overall, these trends reflect the dynamic nature of international student enrollment at Philander Smith University, influenced by a mix of institutional efforts and external socio-economic factors. As universities continue to adapt to changing global landscapes, maintaining and increasing international student enrollment remains a pivotal goal.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$23,014

Undergraduate tuition
$13,014
Room and board
$10,000
Graduate tuition
$21,600
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 4% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 21%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$24.1M

Tuition and fees
$6.1M25.4%
Gifts and private grants
$5.8M24.0%
Government grants and contracts
$5.5M22.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$4.8M20.0%
Investment return
$1.6M6.4%
Other
$349K1.5%

Expenses$25.5M

Institutional support
$8.8M34.6%
Instruction
$5.3M20.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$4.4M17.3%
Student services
$3.9M15.2%
Academic support
$2.7M10.5%
Public service
$400K1.6%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$65,156peers $65,931
Professor
$66,834peers $77,501
Associate professor
$68,852peers $68,234
Assistant professor
$60,982peers $61,725
Instructor
$51,627peers $53,914

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Gulf Coast Athletic Conference

Gulf Coast Athletic Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NAIA Division I MENWOMEN
Baseball34-
Cross Country1613
Track and Field (Indoor)1513
Track and Field (Outdoor)1513
Basketball1313
Volleyball-16
2024
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Baseball37-
Track and Field (Outdoor)1713
Basketball1414
Track and Field (Indoor)1410
Volleyball-14
Cross Country66
2023
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Basketball1514
Track and Field (Outdoor)1313
Baseball19-
Track and Field (Indoor)118
Volleyball-14
Cross Country67

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities located near Philander Smith University:

  1. Rhodes College - A liberal arts college ranked 56th in the 2024 US News rankings. It offers a rigorous academic program with a focus on developing critical thinking and communication skills.

  2. University of Arkansas - Ranked 178th, this comprehensive university is known for its strong research programs and a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

  3. University of Mississippi - With a rank of 163, this comprehensive university offers a vibrant campus life and a commitment to academic excellence, particularly in areas like business and law.

  4. Southern Methodist University - Ranked 89th, this university is recognized for its strong programs in business, law, and the arts, fostering a culture of innovation and leadership.

  5. Washington University in St Louis - A highly prestigious institution ranked 24th, known for its strong emphasis on research and a variety of programs across disciplines.

These institutions offer various opportunities for academic growth and collaboration, making the area around Philander Smith University an enriching educational environment.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Philander Smith University

The crime rate data from Philander Smith University presents a notable fluctuation over the years, reflecting broader trends in campus safety and societal issues. In 2014, the university recorded a significant spike with a rate of 23.38 incidents per 1000 students, primarily driven by arrests related to drugs and alcohol. This peak could be indicative of increased awareness and enforcement of campus regulations during that period, which might have contributed to a rise in reported incidents.

Interestingly, the years following 2014 show a gradual decline in crime rates, culminating in 2020 and 2021, where the data reflects a complete absence of recorded incidents. This dramatic drop could suggest effective interventions, enhanced campus security measures, or a shift in student behavior, potentially influenced by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered student life and interactions on campus.

The return of minor incidents in 2022, with a rate of 2.82, indicates that while significant safety improvements may have been made, challenges still exist in maintaining a secure environment. The types of crimes reported, such as gun arrests and domestic violence, highlight critical areas that require ongoing attention from the university administration and law enforcement.

In summary, while Philander Smith University has shown progress in reducing crime rates, particularly from the peak years, continuous efforts are necessary to ensure a safe educational environment for all students. The fluctuating nature of these statistics serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding campus safety and the need for vigilant, proactive measures. For more information on crime rates calculation, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Philander Smith College include Joycelyn Elders (Pediatrician and former US Surgeon General), James H. Cone (Theologian and advocate of black liberation theology) and Deon Cole (Comedian, actor and screenwriter known for Black-ish).

More alumni (4, by field)

Politics and law

  • Stephanie Flowers 1953–

    Attorney and Democratic Arkansas politician

    Also attended: Texas Southern University

  • Lottie Shackelford 1941–

    First Black woman mayor of Little Rock

Sports

  • Solly Drake 1930–2021

    Major League Baseball outfielder

Other fields

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.