Philander Smith University (PSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
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
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Philander Smith University (PSU) offers 14 degree programs across 13 major academic fields, graduating approximately 124 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (1 programs, 52 graduates), Biological Sciences (1 programs, 14 graduates), Security & Safety (1 programs, 13 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 12 graduates) and Education (1 programs, 7 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (1 programs, 52 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 52 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 14 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 13 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Administration | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0103 |
Psychology (1 programs, 12 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Education (1 programs, 7 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle School Education and Teaching | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1203 |
Public Services (1 programs, 6 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
44.0701 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 5 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0701 |
Kinesiology (1 programs, 5 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0501 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 3 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0101 |
Social Sciences (2 programs, 3 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
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 14 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (1 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (1 programs)
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (1 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 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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