Philander Smith University's published cost of attendance is $28,136. Net price by income band shows how financial aid reshapes that headline figure: low-income families pay approximately $13,393, middle-income families pay around $16,686, and higher-income families pay approximately $15,800.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,136 |
| Tuition and Fees | $13,014 |
| Room and Board | $10,000 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,912 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,224 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $13,393 |
| $30–48k | $14,606 |
| $48–75k | $16,686 |
| $75–110k | $12,847 |
| $110k+ | $15,800 |
Philander Smith University's published cost of attendance is $28,136. Net price by income band shows how financial aid reshapes that headline figure: low-income families pay approximately $13,393, middle-income families pay around $16,686, and higher-income families pay approximately $15,800. Azimuth ranks Philander Smith University #412 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Philander Smith's aid structure combines need-based and merit components to help bridge the gap between sticker price and what families actually pay. The university participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs. Families apply for need-based aid using the FAFSA, and merit scholarships are available for qualifying students based on academic and other criteria. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $24,736, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $14,370; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $42,151, median federal debt of $24,736 projects to a monthly payment of about $279 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Philander Smith University earn median 4-year earnings of $42,151, placing Philander Smith University in the 1.9 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn at roughly the same level as similar students at comparable institutions, placing Philander Smith University in the 55.5 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Philander Smith University #1369 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern centers on business and professional fields. Business Administration is the largest program with 43 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $43,163, representing 0.6× the national benchmark for the field. Psychology, General and Criminal Justice follow as significant enrollment drivers, while Biology, General and Teacher Education round out the core program portfolio. This concentration in Business — the institution's dominant program family — aligns with regional employer demand and supports the institution's overall earnings profile.
