Bethune-Cookman University vs Philander Smith College

Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College, both historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), offer unique educational experiences to their students. Bethune-Cookman, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, has an acceptance rate of 58%, while Philander Smith, situated in Little Rock, Arkansas, has an acceptance rate of 65%. Bethune-Cookman's popular majors include nursing, business administration, and criminal justice, while Philander Smith's popular majors include biology, business administration, and psychology. Bethune-Cookman's student body is predominantly female (63%), while Philander Smith's student body is more evenly split between male and female students (49% male, 51% female). Bethune-Cookman's graduation rate is 44%, while Philander Smith's graduation rate is 38%. To help you make an informed decision about which institution is the best fit for your academic and
Bethune-Cookman University logo

Bethune-Cookman University

Philander Smith College logo

Philander Smith College

Overview

Location Daytona Beach, Florida Little Rock, Arkansas
Campus setting City: Small 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 58.0% 55.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation Methodism Methodism

Admission

Acceptance rate 99.8% Open Admission
Application fees
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $50
$25
SAT range 820 - 990 N/A
ACT range 15 - 18 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 57.0%
Students submitting ACT score 20.0%
Total number of applicants 5,577
Total number of admissions given out 5,568
Admitted students who chose to enroll 812
Yield rate 14.6%
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) Required N/A

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $33,840 $31,724
Average net price $11,717 $14,396
Tuition $13,844 $11,804
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $7,376

Meal plan: $3,020
Room/dormitory: $5,192

Meal plan: $3,058
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

96.0%
Average amount $12,038
98.0%
Average amount $11,505
Students receiving federal student loan 75.0%
Average amount $6,077
57.0%
Average amount $5,451
Students taking out private loans 2.0%
Average amount $13,068
0.0%
Average amount $0

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 2,513
Men 37.6% Women 62.4%
710
Men 36.1% Women 63.9%
Graduate students 111
Men 41.4% Women 58.6%
N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students 24.5% N/A
International students 1.9% 5.4%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 1,963 522
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Florida Georgia California South Carolina Maryland N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Psychology
  • Business
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Social Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 15:1 12:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 32.5% 28.2%
Dropout rate 61.8% 68.8%
Transferred out 5.8% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $60,623
  • Year 3: $59,032
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $36,042
  • Year 3: $38,708
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $30,771
  • Year 3: $37,227
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $33,696
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $25,967
  • Year 3: $32,686
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $31,042
  • Year 3: $29,448
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,987
  • Year 2: $28,719
  • Year 3: $26,550
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $29,685
  • Year 3: $26,474
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $20,140
  • Year 3: $25,082
Gerontology (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $22,811
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $36,677
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: $34,628
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $23,231
  • Year 2: $25,194
  • Year 3: $28,884
Biological and Physical Sciences (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $25,774
  • Year 3: N/A
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $20,140
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College?

    Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) is a larger, private, historically Black university located in Daytona Beach, Florida, known for its strong emphasis on performing arts, hospitality management, and nursing programs. Philander Smith College (PSC) is a smaller, private, historically Black college located in Little Rock, Arkansas, with a focus on liberal arts, social justice, and community engagement. B-CU offers a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs, while PSC provides a more intimate learning environment with a strong commitment to civic responsibility.

  • Where are Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College located?

    Bethune-Cookman University is located in Daytona Beach, Florida, offering students access to beaches and a vibrant tourist environment. Philander Smith College is located in Little Rock, Arkansas, providing students with opportunities to engage with the state's capital city and its rich history.

  • What is the size difference between Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College?

    Bethune-Cookman University generally has a larger student population compared to Philander Smith College. This means B-CU typically offers a wider range of resources and a more diverse student body, while PSC provides a more personalized and close-knit campus community.

  • What types of academic programs are Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College known for?

    Bethune-Cookman University is well-regarded for its programs in performing arts, hospitality management, and nursing. Philander Smith College is known for its strong liberal arts programs, particularly in areas like political science, history, and social work, with a focus on social justice and community outreach.

  • What is the campus culture like at Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College?

    Bethune-Cookman University has a vibrant campus culture with a strong emphasis on tradition, school spirit, and a lively social scene, particularly around its athletic programs and performing arts events. Philander Smith College fosters a more intimate and community-oriented environment, emphasizing social justice, civic engagement, and student activism.

  • What are the admission requirements for Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College?

    While specific requirements may vary year to year, both Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College generally require applicants to submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. It's best to check each school's official admissions website for the most up-to-date and detailed information.

  • What is the cost of attendance at Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, can vary between Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College. It's recommended to visit the financial aid sections of each university's website to get the most accurate and current information on tuition costs, available financial aid options, and scholarship opportunities.

  • Do Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College offer athletic programs?

    Yes, both Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College offer athletic programs. Bethune-Cookman University competes in NCAA Division I, offering a wider range of sports. Philander Smith College competes in NCAA Division III, with a focus on providing a well-rounded student-athlete experience.

  • What kind of student support services are available at Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College?

    Both Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career services, counseling, and disability services. These services are designed to help students succeed academically, personally, and professionally.

  • How do Bethune-Cookman University and Philander Smith College support their students' career development?

    Both institutions offer career services that include resume and cover letter writing assistance, mock interviews, career counseling, and job placement assistance. They also host career fairs and networking events to connect students with potential employers. Philander Smith College's focus on social justice often leads to opportunities in non-profit and community-based organizations, while Bethune-Cookman's programs in hospitality and other fields provide connections to those industries.

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