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Head-to-head comparison

Arkansas State University vs Philander Smith University: which has better ROI?

Public, Jonesboro AR · vs · Private nonprofit, Little Rock AR

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University

Net price / year
$12,366
Earnings, 10 years
$42,617
Payback
No payback

Option B Little Rock, AR

Philander Smith University

Net price / year
$14,224
Earnings, 10 years
$38,427
Payback
No payback
The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Arkansas State University comes closer — median earnings $42,617 against a $49,464 total, vs $38,427 at Philander Smith University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureArkansas State UniversityPhilander Smith University
Net price / yr$12,366$14,224
Total net cost$49,464$56,896
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,617$38,427
Median debt$20,500$24,736
Payback——
20-year net return-$164,324-$255,556

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University or Philander Smith University?

Arkansas State University, at $12,366 a year after aid versus $14,224 — a gap of $1,858 a year, or $7,432 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Arkansas State University or Philander Smith University graduates earn more?

Arkansas State University graduates report a median $42,617 ten years after entry, $4,190 more than the $38,427 at Philander Smith University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Arkansas State University or Philander Smith University?

Arkansas State University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $24,736 at Philander Smith University, a difference of $4,236. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

55% of students finish at Arkansas State University, against 30% at Philander Smith University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Arkansas State University vs Philander Smith University: frequently asked questions

Is Arkansas State University or Philander Smith University a better value?
Arkansas State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University or Philander Smith University?
Arkansas State University: $12,366/yr net price after aid versus $14,224/yr at Philander Smith University — a difference of $1,858 a year, or about $7,432 over four years.
Do Arkansas State University or Philander Smith University graduates earn more?
Arkansas State University graduates earn a median $42,617 ten years after entry, versus $38,427 at Philander Smith University — a $4,190 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.