Head-to-head · 2026
Arkansas Baptist College vs Philander Smith University
Compare average net price ($10,627 at Arkansas Baptist College; $14,224 at Philander Smith University), ROI score (6.69 vs 6.75), ten-year median earnings ($28,418 vs $38,427), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Arkansas Baptist College; Open / not reported at Philander Smith University) using federal College Scorecard data. Philander Smith University has a 4-1 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Arkansas Baptist College | Philander Smith University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.69 | 6.75 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $10,627 ✓ | $14,224 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $28,418 | $38,427 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 7.4% | 30.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $25,375 | $24,736 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 342 | 751 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Philander Smith University costs $3,597 more per year than Arkansas Baptist College ($14,224 vs $10,627). Philander Smith University graduates report $10,009 higher median earnings after ten years ($38,427 vs $28,418). On EduGradify's model that puts Philander Smith University ahead on projected ROI (6.75 vs 6.69, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Philander Smith University) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Arkansas Baptist College vs Philander Smith University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Arkansas Baptist College or Philander Smith University the better value?
Philander Smith University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (6.75 vs 6.69), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Arkansas Baptist College is cheaper — average net price $10,627 per year vs $14,224 at Philander Smith University. The annual difference of $3,597 adds up to about $14,388 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Philander Smith University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $38,427 vs $28,418 at Arkansas Baptist College. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,009.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Arkansas Baptist College reports a C value grade; Philander Smith University reports C.