PSC vs. CMU - CLAS

Comparable Facts

Compare Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR with Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Fayette, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is larger than PSC based on total student enrollment (1,041 students vs. 780 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Philander Smith University is located in Little Rock, AR (Midsize City setting); Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is in Fayette, MO (Distant Town setting).
• Philander Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Philander Smith University 11:1; Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 12:1.

PSC vs. CMU - CLAS Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PSC or CMU - CLAS? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Philander Smith University than CMU - CLAS ($14,082 vs. $22,929).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are 5.5% lower than at Philander Smith University ($9,450 vs. $10,000).
• Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is 117.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than PSC (about $15,246 more per year; $28,260.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 117.2% higher at CMU - CLAS than at Philander Smith University (about $15,246 more per year; $28,260.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences than at Philander Smith University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences students is 44.2% larger than aid received by Philander Smith University students ($20,598 vs. $14,283).

PSC vs. CMU - CLAS Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PSC or CMU - CLAS? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between CMU - CLAS and PSC.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentral Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 960/1045.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentral Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PSC - Not reported; CMU - CLAS - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CMU - CLAS Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CMU - CLAS students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at PSC (3.04).

PSC vs. CMU - CLAS Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PSC and CMU - CLAS? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Philander Smith University's (31%).
• Graduates from Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than PSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,600 vs. $26,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates have a $14,125 lower median loan debt than PSC graduates ($16,875 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, CMU - CLAS graduates have an estimated $146 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PSC graduates ($174 vs. $320).
• More CMU - CLAS graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PSC students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 35%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.