PSC vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR with Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Union University is larger than PSC based on total student enrollment (1,646 students vs. 780 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Philander Smith University is located in Little Rock, AR (Midsize City setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Philander Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Philander Smith University 11:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

PSC vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PSC or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University than PSC ($11,483 vs. $14,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Philander Smith University are 9.2% lower than at Virginia Union University ($10,000 vs. $11,016).
• Virginia Union University is 34.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than PSC (about $4,436 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.1% higher at Virginia Union University than at Philander Smith University (about $4,436 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Philander Smith University than at Virginia Union University (99% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Union University students is 22.7% larger than aid received by Philander Smith University students ($17,524 vs. $14,283).

PSC vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia Union University 850/885.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PSC - Not reported; Virginia Union University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman PSC students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.04) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).

PSC vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PSC and Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University's (29%).
• Graduates from Virginia Union University earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than PSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,300 vs. $26,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Philander Smith University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($31,000 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, PSC graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($320 vs. $348).
• More PSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (35% vs. 19%)

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.