PSC vs. Friends University

Comparable Facts

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

Friends University is larger than PSC based on total student enrollment (1,961 students vs. 780 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Philander Smith University is located in Little Rock, AR (Midsize City setting); Friends University is in Wichita, KS (Large City setting).
• Philander Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Friends University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Philander Smith University 11:1; Friends University 12:1.

PSC vs. Friends University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PSC or Friends 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 Friends University ($14,082 vs. $28,889).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Philander Smith University are 11.5% lower than at Friends University ($10,000 vs. $11,295).
• Friends University is 162.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than PSC (about $21,178 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 162.7% higher at Friends University than at Philander Smith University (about $21,178 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Friends University than at Philander Smith University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Friends University students is 51.1% larger than aid received by Philander Smith University students ($21,579 vs. $14,283).

PSC vs. Friends University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFriends University 960/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFriends University 15/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PSC - Not reported; Friends University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Friends University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at PSC (3.04).

PSC vs. Friends University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PSC and Friends 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).

• Philander Smith University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Friends University's (27%).
• Graduates from Friends University earn a median of about $19,700 more per year than PSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,500 vs. $26,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Friends University graduates have a $6,488 lower median loan debt than PSC graduates ($24,512 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Friends University graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PSC graduates ($253 vs. $320).
• More Friends University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PSC students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.