Head-to-head · 2026
Philander Smith University vs University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 1 wins for Philander Smith University, 4 for University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff — University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.75 | 7.02 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,224 | $12,653 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $38,427 ✓ | $35,550 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 41.2% |
| Graduation rate | 30.4% | 40.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,736 | $24,202 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 751 | 1,807 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 922 |
| Wins | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Philander Smith University costs $1,571 more per year than University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff ($14,224 vs $12,653). Philander Smith University graduates report $2,877 higher median earnings after ten years ($38,427 vs $35,550). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff ahead on projected ROI (7.02 vs 6.75, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff reports 41.2% 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 Pine Bluff, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Philander Smith University or University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff the better value?
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.02 vs 6.75), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is cheaper — average net price $12,653 per year vs $14,224 at Philander Smith University. The annual difference of $1,571 adds up to about $6,284 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Philander Smith University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $38,427 vs $35,550 at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The annual gap in the federal data is $2,877.
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 Pine Bluff reports C.