Head-to-head · 2026
Philander Smith University vs Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 0 wins for Philander Smith University, 5 for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus — Southern Arkansas University Main Campus has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Philander Smith University | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.75 | 7.55 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,224 | $14,027 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $38,427 | $42,386 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 75.3% |
| Graduation rate | 30.4% | 48.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,736 | $18,750 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 751 | 2,708 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1047 |
| Wins | 0 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Philander Smith University costs $197 more per year than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus ($14,224 vs $14,027). Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates report $3,959 higher median earnings after ten years ($42,386 vs $38,427). On EduGradify's model that puts Southern Arkansas University Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (7.55 vs 6.75, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Southern Arkansas University Main Campus) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus reports 75.3% acceptance; Philander Smith University does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Philander Smith University vs Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Philander Smith University or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus the better value?
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.55 vs 6.75), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is cheaper — average net price $14,027 per year vs $14,224 at Philander Smith University. The annual difference of $197 adds up to about $788 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $42,386 vs $38,427 at Philander Smith University. The annual gap in the federal data is $3,959.
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. Philander Smith University reports a C value grade; Southern Arkansas University Main Campus reports B.

