Head-to-head · 2026
Hendrix College vs Philander Smith University
Compare average net price ($24,149 at Hendrix College; $14,224 at Philander Smith University), ROI score (6.25 vs 6.75), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($60,376 vs $38,427), and admissions context (55.7% at Hendrix College; Open / not reported at Philander Smith University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Hendrix College | Philander Smith University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.25 | 6.75 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $24,149 | $14,224 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $96,596 | $56,896 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $38,200 | $13,014 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $38,200 | $13,014 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $60,376 ✓ | $38,427 |
| Acceptance rate | 55.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 72.4% ✓ | 30.4% |
| Retention rate | 79.6% ✓ | 65.7% |
| Median debt | $26,688 | $24,736 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,100 | 751 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1282 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Hendrix College | Philander Smith University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $15,951 | $13,393 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $18,838 | $14,606 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $26,414 | $16,686 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $26,396 | $12,847 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $27,453 | $15,800 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Hendrix College | Philander Smith University |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | 14% | 11.8% |
| Biology, General | 7% | 10.1% |
| English Language and Literature, General | 6.6% | 2.4% |
| Computer Science | 3.9% | 4.7% |
| Political Science and Government | 4.7% | 2.4% |
| Sociology | 1.9% | 2.4% |
| Mathematics | 2.3% | 1.8% |
| Chemistry | 2.3% | 1.8% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Philander Smith University reports the lower average net price by $9,925 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $39,700 difference over four years ($56,896 vs $96,596).
Hendrix College reports $21,949 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($60,376 vs $38,427). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 79.6% at Hendrix College and 65.7% at Philander Smith University. Median federal debt among completers is $26,688 vs $24,736, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Hendrix College vs Philander Smith University, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Philander Smith University is cheaper — average net price $14,224 per year vs $24,149 at Hendrix College. The annual difference of $9,925 adds up to about $39,700 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Hendrix College reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $60,376 vs $38,427 at Philander Smith University. The gap in the federal data is $21,949. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.