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
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.
Business (2)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201
Business Administration and Management, General.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Arkansas
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
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 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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