PSC vs. SNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR with Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Nazarene University is larger than PSC based on total student enrollment (2,198 students vs. 780 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Philander Smith University is located in Little Rock, AR (Midsize City setting); Southern Nazarene University is in Bethany, OK (Large Suburban setting).
• Philander Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Philander Smith University 11:1; Southern Nazarene University 15:1.

PSC vs. SNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PSC or SNU? 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 SNU ($14,082 vs. $23,295).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Nazarene University are 5.3% lower than at Philander Smith University ($9,474 vs. $10,000).
• Southern Nazarene University is 139.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than PSC (about $18,176 more per year; $31,190.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 139.7% higher at SNU than at Philander Smith University (about $18,176 more per year; $31,190.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Nazarene University than at Philander Smith University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Nazarene University students is 62.3% larger than aid received by Philander Smith University students ($23,175 vs. $14,283).

PSC vs. SNU Admissions comparison

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

• Southern Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PSC - Not reported; SNU - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: SNU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SNU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at PSC (3.04).

PSC vs. SNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PSC and SNU? 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).

• Southern Nazarene University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Philander Smith University's (31%).
• Graduates from Southern Nazarene University earn a median of about $26,000 more per year than PSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $26,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Nazarene University graduates have a $12,250 lower median loan debt than PSC graduates ($18,750 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, SNU graduates have an estimated $127 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PSC graduates ($193 vs. $320).
• More SNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PSC students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.