PSC vs. Lesley University

Comparable Facts

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

Lesley University is larger than PSC based on total student enrollment (2,557 students vs. 780 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Philander Smith University is located in Little Rock, AR (Midsize City setting); Lesley University is in Cambridge, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Philander Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lesley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Philander Smith University 11:1; Lesley University 10:1.

PSC vs. Lesley University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PSC or Lesley 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 Lesley University ($14,082 vs. $32,587).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Philander Smith University are 49.8% lower than at Lesley University ($10,000 vs. $19,920).
• Lesley University is 163.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than PSC (about $21,242 more per year; $34,256.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 163.2% higher at Lesley University than at Philander Smith University (about $21,242 more per year; $34,256.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lesley University than at Philander Smith University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lesley University students is 34.2% larger than aid received by Philander Smith University students ($19,167 vs. $14,283).

PSC vs. Lesley University Admissions comparison

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

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PSC - Not reported; Lesley University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Lesley University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at PSC (3.04).

PSC vs. Lesley University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PSC and Lesley 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).

• Lesley University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Philander Smith University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lesley University 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, Lesley University graduates have a $6,680 lower median loan debt than PSC graduates ($24,320 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Lesley University graduates have an estimated $69 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PSC graduates ($251 vs. $320).
• More Lesley University 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.