PSC vs. Claflin University

Comparable Facts

Compare Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR with Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Claflin University is larger than PSC based on total student enrollment (1,852 students vs. 780 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Philander Smith University is located in Little Rock, AR (Midsize City setting); Claflin University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Philander Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Philander Smith University 11:1; Claflin University 13:1.

PSC vs. Claflin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PSC or Claflin University? 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 Claflin University ($14,082 vs. $17,272).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 5.2% lower than at Philander Smith University ($9,480 vs. $10,000).
• Claflin University is 40.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than PSC (about $5,268 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.5% higher at Claflin University than at Philander Smith University (about $5,268 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Philander Smith University than at Claflin University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Claflin University students is 16.2% larger than aid received by Philander Smith University students ($16,596 vs. $14,283).

PSC vs. Claflin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PSC or Claflin University? 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 Claflin University and PSC.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsClaflin University 840/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsClaflin University 16/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PSC - Not reported; Claflin University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Claflin University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at PSC (3.04).

PSC vs. Claflin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PSC and Claflin University? 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).

• Claflin University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Philander Smith University's (31%).
• Graduates from Claflin University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than PSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($30,700 vs. $26,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Philander Smith University graduates have a $1,184 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($31,000 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, PSC graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($320 vs. $332).
• More PSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (35% vs. 25%)

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.