Head-to-head · 2026
Philander Smith University vs University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Philander Smith University, 3 for University of Arkansas at Little Rock — University of Arkansas at Little Rock 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 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.75 ✓ | 6.56 |
| Avg net price | $14,224 ✓ | $17,248 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $38,427 | $45,265 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 58.8% |
| Graduation rate | 30.4% | 41.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,736 | $22,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 751 | 4,949 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1049 |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Arkansas at Little Rock costs $3,024 more per year than Philander Smith University ($17,248 vs $14,224). University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates report $6,838 higher median earnings after ten years ($45,265 vs $38,427). On EduGradify's model that puts Philander Smith University ahead on projected ROI (6.75 vs 6.56, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Philander Smith University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Arkansas at Little Rock reports 58.8% acceptance; Philander Smith University does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Philander Smith University vs University of Arkansas at Little Rock, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Philander Smith University or University of Arkansas at Little Rock the better value?
Philander Smith University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (6.75 vs 6.56), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Philander Smith University is cheaper — average net price $14,224 per year vs $17,248 at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The annual difference of $3,024 adds up to about $12,096 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Arkansas at Little Rock reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $45,265 vs $38,427 at Philander Smith University. The annual gap in the federal data is $6,838.
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; University of Arkansas at Little Rock reports C.

