Philander Smith University

Philander Smith University (formerly Philander Smith College) is a private, nonprofit, historically Black university related to the United Methodist Church and based in Little Rock. It offers 21 undergraduate majors in five academic divisions and a Master of Business Administration. Its degrees include the B.A., B.S., B.B.A., B.S.W., and B.S.N.; students can explore areas such as business, biology, social work, education, computer science, criminal justice, and nursing. Review the university’s current academic directory to check the full major list and whether a particular program has additional admission or clinical requirements.

Prepare the application documents early

Philander Smith admits students for fall, spring, and summer terms. Its published application checklist calls for a $25 application fee, an official high-school transcript or GED, immunization records showing two MMR vaccinations, and—when transferring—an official college transcript. ACT or SAT scores are optional in the posted general checklist, although a scholarship can have separate score criteria. The listed priority dates are June 30 for fall, December 31 for spring, April 30 for Summer I, and May 15 for Summer II. Confirm the dates and requirements for your intended term with Admissions before ordering records. Start with the university’s application and admissions checklist.

Understand the scholarship conditions

The university’s current scholarship page lists a competitive Presidential Scholarship for applicants with at least a 3.8 GPA and ACT 28 or SAT 1300. The posted award covers tuition, fees, room, board, and books, with no stipend; eligible candidates are invited to interview. The Thomas Mason Scholarship is listed for a GPA of at least 3.5 and ACT 25 or SAT 1230, and covers tuition and fees. Other awards on the same page have separate GPA, test-score, enrollment, and funding conditions. Meeting a threshold does not guarantee an award, and the university says an admission deposit is needed to reserve an offer. Because web pages and catalog details may differ, use the current written award letter and confirm coverage with Financial Aid. See the scholarship and grant requirements and ask for an itemized cost estimate.

Little Rock campus and student perspectives

The main campus is at 900 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202. The general campus listing phone is (501) 375-9845; Admissions can be reached at (501) 370-5221 or admissions@philander.edu. Admissions lists weekday hours of 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; call before coming to another office. The university identifies this as its Little Rock campus and does not list a separate additional campus for these undergraduate programs.

Voluntary student comments often value the close community, personal attention from faculty, and the HBCU experience. Some also call for improvement in facilities, campus communication, food options, and administrative services. Those comments reflect individual experiences rather than a guarantee. During a campus visit, ask how advising works in your intended major, how to get a written transfer-credit evaluation, what housing and meal costs are not included in scholarships, and who resolves financial-aid or registration problems. Read public student perspectives about Philander Smith.