Head-to-head · 2026
Philander Smith University vs University of Central Arkansas
Compare average net price ($14,224 at Philander Smith University; $16,511 at University of Central Arkansas), ROI score (6.75 vs 6.96), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($38,427 vs $45,938), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Philander Smith University; 89.5% at University of Central Arkansas) 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 | Philander Smith University | University of Central Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.75 | 6.96 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,224 ✓ | $16,511 |
| 4-year avg net price | $56,896 ✓ | $66,044 |
| In-state tuition | $13,014 | $10,523 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $13,014 | $18,023 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $38,427 | $45,938 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 89.5% |
| Graduation rate | 30.4% | 53.5% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 65.7% | 73.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,736 | $20,346 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 751 | 7,762 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1118 |
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 | Philander Smith University | University of Central Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $13,393 ✓ | $14,656 |
| Family income $30–48k | $14,606 | $13,988 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $16,686 | $16,203 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $12,847 ✓ | $20,318 |
| Family income $110k+ | $15,800 ✓ | $20,157 |
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 | Philander Smith University | University of Central Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 25.4% | 5.9% |
| Psychology, General | 11.8% | 5.5% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 8.9% | 5.8% |
| Biology, General | 10.1% | 3.9% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 7.7% | 5.7% |
| Computer Science | 4.7% | 0.4% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 2.4% | 2.6% |
| English Language and Literature, General | 2.4% | 1.5% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Philander Smith University reports the lower average net price by $2,287 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $9,148 difference over four years ($56,896 vs $66,044).
University of Central Arkansas reports $7,511 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($45,938 vs $38,427). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 65.7% at Philander Smith University and 73.3% at University of Central Arkansas. Median federal debt among completers is $24,736 vs $20,346, 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
Philander Smith University vs University of Central Arkansas, 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 $16,511 at University of Central Arkansas. The annual difference of $2,287 adds up to about $9,148 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Central Arkansas reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $45,938 vs $38,427 at Philander Smith University. The gap in the federal data is $7,511. 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.