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Ouachita Baptist University

Arkadelphia, AR·Private nonprofit·1,612 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

69%
Accept
1,612
Students
$22,355
Net Price
70%
Grad Rate
$46,000
Earnings
10 yr
$15,000
Debt

About This School

Ouachita Baptist University is a private nonprofit institution located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas with approximately 1,612 undergraduate students enrolled. Ouachita Baptist University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 69%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,355 per year. The graduation rate is 70%, and the typical graduate earns $46,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) is a private Christian university in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. It is affiliated with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, a state convention affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. The university's name is taken from the Ouachita River, which forms the eastern campus boundary.

This is a strong option for students seeking a tight-knit Christian liberal arts experience — with only 1,612 undergrads, you'll get genuine personal attention, and a median debt of just $15,000 at graduation is impressively low. The 70% graduation rate is worth watching, though, meaning roughly 3 in 10 students don't finish, so it's fair to ask admissions what support exists for students who struggle. If you're grounded in a Baptist faith tradition and want a small, affordable campus community, this deserves a serious look — just go in with a clear plan to finish.

Founded
1886
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing17%
Biological Sciences13%
Education10%
Visual & Performing Arts8%
Communications8%
Health Professions7%
Psychology4%
Social Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Mike HuckabeeSarah SandersSteve Russell

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1212
Reading 75th %ile660
Math 75th %ile630

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$32,480
Out-of-State Tuition
$32,480
Avg Net Price
$22,355
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants23%
Median debt at graduation$15,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
70%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
83%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White82%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,612 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Ouachita Baptist University

410 Ouachita St

Arkadelphia, AR 71998-0001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Arkansas

Browse all Arkansas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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