Analysis
When peer business programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $50,740, the $49,638 median debt here creates what looks like a manageable 0.98 debt-to-earnings ratio—until you notice that four-year earnings drop to $40,473. This unusual pattern, where graduates earn more in year one than year four, raises serious questions about career trajectory. For a family taking on nearly $50,000 in loans (roughly double the national median for business degrees), this backwards earnings curve is concerning. The school serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population, making the debt burden even more significant for families with limited financial cushion.
The high debt reflects something important: Philander Smith's students need substantial borrowing to complete their degrees. While the debt-to-first-year-earnings estimate looks workable on paper, monthly loan payments of roughly $550 become considerably harder to manage if earnings plateau or decline in subsequent years. The only other Arkansas business program with reported data shows similar first-year earnings but with debt levels that track closer to state norms around $48,000.
Without actual earnings data specific to Philander Smith graduates, families should investigate directly with the school: What happens between years one and four? Are graduates changing careers? Working part-time? These estimated figures can't answer those questions, but the pattern they suggest—declining earnings coupled with above-average debt—demands concrete answers before committing to this level of borrowing.
Where Philander Smith University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business, management, marketing, bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philander Smith University | — | $40,473 | — |
| Elon University | $60,719 | $92,616 | +53% |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | $72,850 | $89,485 | +23% |
| Bentley University | $70,365 | $89,440 | +27% |
| New York University | $41,421 | $78,522 | +90% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Business, Management, Marketing, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Philander Smith UniversityLittle Rock | $13,014 | $50,740* | $40,473 | $49,638 | — |
 Central Baptist CollegeConway | $19,680 | $53,451* | — | $46,694 | 0.87 |
| National Median | — | $50,740* | — | $26,000 | 0.51 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Philander Smith University, approximately 71% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.