PSC vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

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

Nelson University is larger than PSC based on total student enrollment (1,794 students vs. 780 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Philander Smith University is located in Little Rock, AR (Midsize City setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Philander Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Philander Smith University 11:1; Nelson University 15:1.

PSC vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PSC or Nelson 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 Nelson University ($14,082 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 4% lower than at Philander Smith University ($9,598 vs. $10,000).
• Nelson University is 92.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than PSC (about $12,050 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.6% higher at Nelson University than at Philander Smith University (about $12,050 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Philander Smith University than at Nelson University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Philander Smith University students is 18.3% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($14,283 vs. $12,075).

PSC vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNelson University 890/1090.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PSC - Not reported; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Nelson University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.19) than students at PSC (3.04).

PSC vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PSC and Nelson 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).

• Nelson University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Philander Smith University's (31%).
• Graduates from Nelson University earn a median of about $10,100 more per year than PSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,900 vs. $26,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nelson University graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than PSC graduates ($26,250 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Nelson University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PSC graduates ($271 vs. $320).
• More Nelson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PSC students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.