Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Philander Smith University

Little Rock, AR

Total Enrollment

866

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

17

17 programs

Full-Time Students

669

179 part-time

Total FTE

877

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

12:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Medium-Small
Focused training center
866
Total Students
Size compared to other colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 17
High diversity
~51 students per program
Training Capacity
Medium
Balanced capacity for quality training
Market Position
Niche Provider
Specialized institution
Resource Level
Focused
Specialized equipment and dedicated space

What This Means

Philander Smith University operates as a medium-small college with 866 students across 17 career programs. This size typically offers good facilities, focused training, and strong job placement support.

With 866 students, Philander Smith University offers a close-knit learning environment with direct access to instructors and industry professionals. The school offers 17 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 669 (78.9%)
78.9%
Part-Time Students 179 (21.1%)
21.1%
Total Students 848

Predominantly full-time students (78.9%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (77.3%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
52.2%
452 students
Men
47.8%
414 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Black/African American
79.8%
691 students
Black/African American
79.8% (691)
International Students
7.5% (65)
White
4.3% (37)
Hispanic/Latino
3.5% (30)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
2.0% (17)
Two or More Races
1.2% (10)
Asian
0.1% (1)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 866 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Black/African American students make up 80% of the student body (691 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

848 students

48% Men, 52% Women
669 Full-time 179 Part-time
Diversity Index: 36% • Minority Students: 85%

Graduate students

18 students

39% Men, 61% Women
18 Full-time
Diversity Index: 0% • Minority Students: 100%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

687
All full-time students
292 men, 395 women
Diversity: 34%

FT Undergraduate

669
Full-time undergraduate
285 men, 384 women
Diversity: 35%

FT Degree-Seeking

666
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
284 men, 382 women
Diversity: 35%

FT First-Time

169
Full-time first-time students
81 men, 88 women
Diversity: 43%

FT Continuing

497
Full-time continuing students
203 men, 294 women
Diversity: 32%

FT Transfer

40
Full-time transfer students
21 men, 19 women
Diversity: 39%

FT Continuing

457
Full-time other continuing
182 men, 275 women
Diversity: 32%

FT Non-Degree

3
Full-time non-degree seeking
1 men, 2 women
Diversity: 0%

FT Graduate

18
Full-time graduate students
7 men, 11 women
Diversity: 0%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

179
All part-time students
122 men, 57 women
Diversity: 39%

PT Undergraduate

179
Part-time undergraduate
122 men, 57 women
Diversity: 39%

PT Degree-Seeking

176
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
119 men, 57 women
Diversity: 40%

PT First-Time

19
Part-time first-time students
16 men, 3 women
Diversity: 39%

PT Continuing

157
Part-time continuing students
103 men, 54 women
Diversity: 39%

PT Transfer

9
Part-time transfer students
7 men, 2 women
Diversity: 57%

PT Continuing

148
Part-time other continuing
96 men, 52 women
Diversity: 38%

PT Non-Degree

3
Part-time non-degree seeking
0
Diversity: 0%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

37
White
673
Black/African American
30
Hispanic/Latino
1
Asian
65
International
Diversity Index: 36% Minority Students: 85%

Graduate students

18
Black/African American
Diversity Index: 0% Minority Students: 100%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Philander Smith University's Student Body

Training Environment: Mid-sized training facility with 866 students providing focused career preparation and hands-on experience.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (77.3%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 877 FTE students indicates predominantly full-time academic commitment.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 84% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (12:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.
Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Diversity Focus: Serves a diverse student population with 80% Black/African American students, contributing to cultural diversity and inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

900 W. Daisy Bates Drive

Little Rock, AR 72202-3799

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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