PSC vs. Shaw University

Comparable Facts

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

Shaw University is larger than PSC based on total student enrollment (964 students vs. 780 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

PSC vs. Shaw University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PSC or Shaw 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 Shaw University ($14,082 vs. $16,445).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 7.9% lower than at Philander Smith University ($9,210 vs. $10,000).
• Shaw University is 34.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than PSC (about $4,524 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.8% higher at Shaw University than at Philander Smith University (about $4,524 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Philander Smith University than at Shaw University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shaw University students is 0.9% larger than aid received by Philander Smith University students ($14,417 vs. $14,283).

PSC vs. Shaw University Admissions comparison

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

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PSC - Not reported; Shaw University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PSC students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.04) than students at Shaw University (2.6).

PSC vs. Shaw University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PSC and Shaw 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 Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from Shaw University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than PSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($29,000 vs. $26,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Philander Smith University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($31,000 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, PSC graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($320 vs. $392).
• More PSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (35% vs. 15%)

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.