Philander Smith University
PSU
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202-3799
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
Campus Vibe
Known for business — close-knit campus
Philander Smith University is a private institution in Little Rock with particular strength in business and biology.
A small campus of 842 undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
32% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $38,427 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $15,360.
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Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
37.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
0.4%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,750
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
7
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (17)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
67%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Panthers
History & Fun Facts
- •Philander Smith University was officially founded in 1877 under the name of Walden Seminary to provide educational opportunities for emancipated slaves west of the Mississippi River.
- •In 1882 the school was renamed Philander Smith College in honor of the financial contributions of Adeline Smith, widow of Philander Smith.
- •It was chartered as a four-year college in 1883 and conferred its first bachelor's degree in 1888.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from AR state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
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