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Arkansas State University vs Philander Smith University

Arkansas State University is a public university in Jonesboro, AR, and Philander Smith University is a private university in Little Rock, AR. Arkansas State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,366 a year against $14,224 at Philander Smith University. About 55% of students graduate at Arkansas State University, compared with 31% at Philander Smith University. Ten years after enrolling, Arkansas State University alumni earn a median of about $42,617, against $38,427 for Philander Smith University.

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · Public

Philander Smith University

Little Rock, AR · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Jonesboro, AR
Little Rock, AR
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
9,110
751
Acceptance rate
82%
Not reported
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
Not reported
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1190
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,366
$14,224
Full cost / yr
$25,082
$28,136
In-state tuition
$8,090
$13,014
Out-of-state tuition
$14,522
$13,014
Application fee
$30
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,098
$13,393
$30k - $48k
$9,255
$14,606
$48k - $75k
$12,205
$16,686
$75k - $110k
$15,839
$12,847
Over $110k
$16,444
$15,800
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
31%
Freshman retention
78%
66%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,944
$25,254
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,617
$38,427
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$24,736
Student body
Pell grant recipients
38%
68%
First-generation students
39%
43%
International students
10%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University or Philander Smith University?
Arkansas State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,366 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,224 at Philander Smith University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Arkansas State University and Philander Smith University?
Before aid, Arkansas State University costs about $25,082 a year and Philander Smith University about $28,136. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Arkansas State University or Philander Smith University?
Arkansas State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,098 there, against about $13,393 at Philander Smith University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Arkansas State University or Philander Smith University?
Arkansas State University is the larger of the two, with about 9,110 undergraduates against 751 at Philander Smith University.
Does Arkansas State University or Philander Smith University have a better graduation rate?
Arkansas State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 31% at Philander Smith University.
Do graduates of Arkansas State University or Philander Smith University earn more?
Arkansas State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $42,617 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,427 for Philander Smith University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school