Private not-for-profit

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Philander Smith University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT Range14 to 19

Average GPA3.04

Acceptance Rate100%

Philander Smith’s 100% acceptance rate makes admission highly accessible, so your strategy should focus on entering ready for the first year. Because 79% of applicants submit ACT scores, aiming near or above 19 gives you a useful readiness target if you choose to test. A 3.0+ GPA also matters for scholarship eligibility.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Philander Smith University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Philander Smith University enrolls about 755 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Philander Smith has a 66% freshman retention rate and a 30% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1.

Location

Little Rock, AR

Undergrad Enrollment755

Freshman Retention66%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio11:1

Graduation Rate30%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Philander Smith?

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Key Philander Smith University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

June 30

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Philander Smith is test-optional, so this timeline only matters if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for superscoring opportunities. A December retake should still arrive in time for the June 30 Regular Decision deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

Philander Smith is a private not-for-profit, so the same $13,014 tuition and fees rate applies to all students. With 95% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $12,302, scholarships can help reduce costs. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.

Tuition and Fees$13,014

Room and Board$10,000

Average Merit Award$12,302

Application Fee$25

Students on Aid95%

Average Aid Package$12,704

Average Debt at Grad$46,965

Philander Smith University’s tuition, fees, room and board total about $23,014. About 95% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $12,704. Merit aid can be meaningful, and students with a GPA of 3.00 or higher may qualify for the $5,000 Entergy Power Your Future Scholarship Program. Graduates leave with an average debt of $46,965.