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Philander Smith University (PSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Philander Smith University

Philander Smith University sits in the heart of Little Rock and is known for a tight-knit, mission-minded community. Classes lean into discussion and real-world problem solving, with strengths across the liberal arts, business, science, and the creative fields. Students find tutoring, advising, counseling, and career coaching alongside labs, a well-used library, a student center, and quiet corners when you just need to grind.

Campus life has energy: student organizations spark cultural celebrations, service projects, and pick-up games that stretch past sunset. As a historically Black university, it has a reputation for social-justice conversation that shows up in speakers, projects, and everyday chats. Proximity to government offices, hospitals, and nonprofits helps internships come within reach, and alumni mentoring nudges doors open. Little Rock's arts and riverfront add weekend color. A point of pride: alum Joycelyn Elders, former U.S. Surgeon General.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 900 W. Daisy Bates Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72202, USA
Unit ID: 107600

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: HLC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Bachelor's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Baccalaureate - Diverse Fields
Campus Setting: Located in a midsize city (population between 100,000 and 249,999)
Tuition: In-state: $13,014 (Tuition $11,804 + Fee $1,210) · Out-of-state: $13,014 (Tuition $11,804 + Fee $1,210)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 866
Undergraduate: 842
Graduate/Other: 24
Male: 414 Female: 452
Applications:
Total Applicants: Not available
Admitted: Not available
Enrolled: Not available
Staff:
Total: 207 Full-time: 132 Part-time: 75

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Philander Smith University (PSU) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Arkansas. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Arkansas vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Business (2)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201 Business Administration and Management, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Includes instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.

Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Arkansas Avg AR vs US
11-1011 Chief Executives $262,930 $136,340 -$126,590 (-48.1%)
11-1021 General and Operations Managers $133,120 $83,290 -$49,830 (-37.4%)
11-2022 Sales Managers $160,930 $116,490 -$44,440 (-27.6%)
11-3012 Administrative Services Managers $126,030 $85,810 -$40,220 (-31.9%)
11-3013 Facilities Managers $114,520 $98,520 -$16,000 (-14%)
11-3051 Industrial Production Managers $129,180 $124,130 -$5,050 (-3.9%)
11-3071 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $116,010 $120,730 +$4,720 (+4.1%)
11-3111 Compensation and Benefits Managers $156,230 $98,550 -$57,680 (-36.9%)
11-3121 Human Resources Managers $160,480 $99,190 -$61,290 (-38.2%)
11-3131 Training and Development Managers $140,590 $91,820 -$48,770 (-34.7%)
11-9021 Construction Managers $119,660 $88,840 -$30,820 (-25.8%)
11-9072 Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $87,060 $59,750 -$27,310 (-31.4%)
11-9151 Social and Community Service Managers $86,100 $48,360 -$37,740 (-43.8%)
11-9179 Personal Service Managers, All Other $70,620 N/A N/A
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $86,880 -$63,010 (-42%)
13-1051 Cost Estimators $83,160 $74,620 -$8,540 (-10.3%)
13-1071 Human Resources Specialists $79,730 $57,100 -$22,630 (-28.4%)
13-1081 Logisticians $87,600 $76,450 -$11,150 (-12.7%)
13-1082 Project Management Specialists $108,100 $81,280 -$26,820 (-24.8%)
13-1111 Management Analysts $114,710 $68,800 -$45,910 (-40%)
13-1141 Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $82,920 $51,590 -$31,330 (-37.8%)
13-1199 Business Operations Specialists, All Other $92,380 $66,020 -$26,360 (-28.5%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $72,880 -$40,960 (-36%)
Biological Sciences (1)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
26.0101 Biology/Biological Sciences, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program of biology at the introductory, basic level or a program in biology or the biological sciences that is undifferentiated as to title or content. Includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Arkansas Avg AR vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $141,750 -$31,750 (-18.3%)
19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other $100,440 $91,710 -$8,730 (-8.7%)
19-1099 Life Scientists, All Other $101,940 N/A N/A
19-4012 Agricultural Technicians $49,680 $47,660 -$2,020 (-4.1%)
19-4013 Food Science Technicians $54,400 $42,110 -$12,290 (-22.6%)
19-4021 Biological Technicians $58,020 $56,170 -$1,850 (-3.2%)
19-4092 Forensic Science Technicians $75,260 $44,470 -$30,790 (-40.9%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $62,210 -$39,130 (-38.6%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $53,090 -$20,610 (-28%)
Security & Safety (1)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
43.0103 Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply theories and practices of organization management and criminal justice to the administration of public law enforcement agencies and operations. Includes instruction in law enforcement history and theory, operational command leadership, administration of public police organizations, labor relations, incident response strategies, legal and regulatory responsibilities, budgeting, public relations, and organizational leadership.

Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Arkansas Avg AR vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $86,880 -$63,010 (-42%)
25-1111 Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $84,820 $60,160 -$24,660 (-29.1%)
33-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $110,990 $53,290 -$57,700 (-52%)
Psychology (1)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
42.0101 Psychology, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.

Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Arkansas Avg AR vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $86,880 -$63,010 (-42%)
19-3032 Industrial-Organizational Psychologists $134,400 N/A N/A
19-3033 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $106,850 $87,100 -$19,750 (-18.5%)
19-3039 Psychologists, All Other $111,340 $104,420 -$6,920 (-6.2%)
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 N/A N/A
25-1066 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $93,530 $68,130 -$25,400 (-27.2%)
Education (2)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1203 Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the middle, intermediate or junior high grades, which may include grades four through nine by regulation.

Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Arkansas Avg AR vs US
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $70,720 -$7,780 (-9.9%)
25-2022 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $70,040 $51,890 -$18,150 (-25.9%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $53,090 -$20,610 (-28%)
13.1210 Early Childhood Education and Teaching. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to teach students ranging in age from infancy through eight years (grade three), depending on the school system or state regulations. Includes preparation to teach all relevant subject matter.

Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Arkansas Avg AR vs US
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $70,720 -$7,780 (-9.9%)
25-2011 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $41,450 $32,790 -$8,660 (-20.9%)
25-2012 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $67,020 $47,850 -$19,170 (-28.6%)
25-2021 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $69,790 $50,980 -$18,810 (-27%)
25-9042 Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education N/A N/A N/A
25-9043 Teaching Assistants, Special Education N/A N/A N/A
Public Services (1)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
44.0701 Social Work. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals for the professional practice of social welfare administration and counseling, and that focus on the study of organized means of providing basic support services for vulnerable individuals and groups. Includes instruction in social welfare policy; case work planning; social counseling and intervention strategies; administrative procedures and regulations; and specific applications in areas such as child welfare and family services, probation, employment services, and disability counseling.

Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Arkansas Avg AR vs US
11-9151 Social and Community Service Managers $86,100 $48,360 -$37,740 (-43.8%)
21-1013 Marriage and Family Therapists $72,720 $52,710 -$20,010 (-27.5%)
21-1019 Counselors, All Other $58,070 $38,580 -$19,490 (-33.6%)
21-1021 Child, Family, and School Social Workers $62,920 $41,610 -$21,310 (-33.9%)
21-1022 Healthcare Social Workers $72,030 $55,270 -$16,760 (-23.3%)
21-1023 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $68,290 $58,180 -$10,110 (-14.8%)
21-1029 Social Workers, All Other $74,680 $42,390 -$32,290 (-43.2%)
21-1092 Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $71,530 $42,950 -$28,580 (-40%)
25-1113 Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $81,880 $70,590 -$11,290 (-13.8%)
Computer & IT (1)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0701 Computer Science. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, computer development and programming, and applications to a variety of end-use situations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Arkansas Avg AR vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $107,690 -$80,300 (-42.7%)
15-1212 Information Security Analysts $127,730 $84,010 -$43,720 (-34.2%)
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 N/A N/A
15-1231 Computer Network Support Specialists $79,610 $59,260 -$20,350 (-25.6%)
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 $114,180 -$28,440 (-19.9%)
15-1251 Computer Programmers $103,640 $94,220 -$9,420 (-9.1%)
15-1252 Software Developers $144,570 $93,260 -$51,310 (-35.5%)
15-1253 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $110,260 $76,970 -$33,290 (-30.2%)
15-1254 Web Developers $98,790 $58,620 -$40,170 (-40.7%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $74,870 -$36,580 (-32.8%)
15-1299 Computer Occupations, All Other $116,700 $82,040 -$34,660 (-29.7%)
15-2051 Data Scientists $124,590 $98,700 -$25,890 (-20.8%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $65,070 -$40,760 (-38.5%)
Kinesiology (1)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
31.0501 Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on activities and principles that promote physical fitness, achieve and maintain athletic prowess, and accomplish related research and service goals. Includes instruction in human movement studies, motivation studies, rules and practice of specific sports, exercise and fitness principles and techniques, basic athletic injury prevention and treatment, and organizing and leading fitness and sports programs.

Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Arkansas Avg AR vs US
25-1193 Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $87,980 $67,110 -$20,870 (-23.7%)
27-2021 Athletes and Sports Competitors $259,750 N/A N/A
27-2022 Coaches and Scouts $58,910 $44,870 -$14,040 (-23.8%)
39-9031 Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $51,360 $34,880 -$16,480 (-32.1%)
Liberal Arts (1)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0101 Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. (Cert2y+)
A program that is a structured combination of the arts, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, emphasizing breadth of study. Includes instruction in independently designed, individualized, or regular programs.

Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Arkansas Avg AR vs US
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $55,080 -$39,390 (-41.7%)
Social Sciences (2)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
45.1001 Political Science and Government, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Includes instruction in political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of the government and politics of specific countries, and studies of specific political institutions and processes.

Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Arkansas Avg AR vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $86,880 -$63,010 (-42%)
19-3094 Political Scientists $137,600 N/A N/A
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 N/A N/A
25-1065 Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,160 $72,650 -$32,510 (-30.9%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $53,090 -$20,610 (-28%)
45.1101 Sociology, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the systematic study of human social institutions and social relationships. Includes instruction in social theory, sociological research methods, social organization and structure, social stratification and hierarchies, dynamics of social change, family structures, social deviance and control, and applications to the study of specific social groups, social institutions, and social problems.

Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Arkansas Avg AR vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $86,880 -$63,010 (-42%)
19-3041 Sociologists $111,670 N/A N/A
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 N/A N/A
25-1067 Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $97,270 $79,750 -$17,520 (-18%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$28,526
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$28,526
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$13,014
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$13,014
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$10,000 (on) / $14,376 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$4,312 (on) / $5,778 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,778
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$21,600
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$21,600
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

28%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$11,788
Avg. Loan
$6,221
Avg. Federal Loan
$6,221
Additional
Students with Any Grant
193
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
116
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
163
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$8,729
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

32%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
67%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$19,226 – $51,858
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$19,226 (25th %) $51,858 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $38,427
Median Salary After 6 Years
$25,254
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$38,427
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
38.7%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
48.6%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$24,736
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 37.1%
Middle 43.8%
High 39.3%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 34.1%
Independent 49.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Philander Smith University (PSU)

How much does it cost to attend Philander Smith University (PSU)?

The annual tuition at Philander Smith University (PSU) is $13,014 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $28,526 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,000 (on) / $14,376 (off) and books and supplies $1,200.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Philander Smith University offer?

Philander Smith University (PSU) offers 21 academic programs across 16 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (2 programs)
  • Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (2 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 programs)
  • English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Philander Smith University?

Philander Smith University (PSU) provides financial aid to 28% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $11,788 and average loans of $6,221.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $6,515
  • State/Local grants: $1,232
  • Institutional grants: $8,729
  • Federal loans: $6,221

The university supports 193 students with grants and 116 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Philander Smith University graduates?

Philander Smith University (PSU) graduates earn a median salary of $25,254 after 6 years and $38,427 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $19,226 (25th percentile) to $51,858 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $57,200 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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