Allen University vs Philander Smith College
Allen University and Philander Smith College, both historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), offer unique educational experiences to their students. Allen University, located in Columbia, South Carolina, has an acceptance rate of 100%, making it a more accessible option for students. Philander Smith College, situated in Little Rock, Arkansas, has a lower acceptance rate of 68%, indicating a more selective admissions process. While Allen University boasts a larger student body, Philander Smith College maintains a smaller student population, fostering a more intimate learning environment. Both institutions offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors including Business Administration, Education, and Social Work. However, Philander Smith College offers a higher graduation rate, suggesting a stronger commitment to student success. To help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these aspects and more. Explore the table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.
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![]() Allen University |
![]() Philander Smith College |
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Overview |
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Location | Columbia, South Carolina | Little Rock, Arkansas |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate |
Students retention rate | 62.0% | 55.0% |
![]() |
No | No |
Religious affiliation | Methodism | Methodism |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 56.6% | Open Admission |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$45
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$25 |
SAT range | N/A | N/A |
ACT range | N/A | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | ||
Students submitting ACT score | ||
Total number of applicants | 1,425 | |
Total number of admissions given out | 807 | |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 129 | |
Yield rate | 16.0% | |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | |
High school GPA | Required | N/A |
Recommendation letters | Not required | N/A |
High school transcript | Not required | N/A |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | N/A |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $21,340 | $31,724 |
Average net price | $13,238 | $14,396 |
Tuition | $12,540 | $11,804 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$2,620
Meal plan:
$5,274
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Room/dormitory:
$5,192
Meal plan:
$3,058
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Available payment plans |
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|
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
99.0%
Average amount $11,765 |
98.0%
Average amount $11,505 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
84.0%
Average amount $6,321 |
57.0%
Average amount $5,451 |
Students taking out private loans |
1.0%
Average amount $3,000 |
0.0%
Average amount $0 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
563
Men 59.9% Women 40.1% |
710
Men 36.1% Women 63.9% |
Graduate students |
58
Men 44.8% Women 55.2% |
N/A |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
|
Very Low
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Out-of-state students | 52.7% | N/A |
International students | 0.8% | 5.4% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 448 | 522 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | South Carolina Georgia Florida Alabama North Carolina | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 12:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 22.7% | 28.2% |
Dropout rate | 59.9% | 68.8% |
Transferred out | 17.4% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Social Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biological and Physical Sciences (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
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