Arkansas Northeastern College vs Philander Smith University: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Philander Smith University comes closer — median earnings $38,427 against a $56,896 total, vs $33,169 at Arkansas Northeastern College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Arkansas Northeastern College | Philander Smith University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $5,375 | $14,224 |
| Total net cost | $21,500 | $56,896 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $33,169 | $38,427 |
| Median debt | — | $24,736 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$325,320 | -$255,556 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Arkansas Northeastern College or Philander Smith University?
Arkansas Northeastern College, at $5,375 a year after aid versus $14,224 — a gap of $8,849 a year, or $35,396 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Arkansas Northeastern College or Philander Smith University graduates earn more?
Philander Smith University graduates report a median $38,427 ten years after entry, $5,258 more than the $33,169 at Arkansas Northeastern College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which graduates more of its students?
49% of students finish at Arkansas Northeastern College, against 30% at Philander Smith University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.