PSC vs. Jackson State University

Comparable Facts

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

Jackson State University is larger than PSC based on total student enrollment (6,326 students vs. 780 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Philander Smith University is located in Little Rock, AR (Midsize City setting); Jackson State University is in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Philander Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Jackson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Philander Smith University 11:1; Jackson State University 14:1.

PSC vs. Jackson State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PSC or Jackson State 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 Jackson State University ($14,082 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Philander Smith University are 30.3% lower than at Jackson State University ($10,000 vs. $14,341).
• Philander Smith University is 45.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jackson State University (about $4,049 more per year; $13,014.00 vs. $8,965.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.8% higher at PSC than at Jackson State University (about $1,049 more per year; $13,014.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Philander Smith University than at Jackson State University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Philander Smith University students is 70.3% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($14,283 vs. $8,386).

PSC vs. Jackson State University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJackson State University 820/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJackson State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PSC - Not reported; Jackson State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jackson State University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at PSC (3.04).

PSC vs. Jackson State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PSC and Jackson State 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).

• Jackson State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Philander Smith University's (31%).
• Graduates from Jackson State University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than PSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($32,800 vs. $26,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Jackson State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than PSC graduates ($29,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Jackson State University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PSC graduates ($299 vs. $320).
• More Jackson State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PSC students, three years after graduation. (36% 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.