Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Ouachita Baptist University
Framed by the Ouachita River and piney hills, Ouachita Baptist University is known for a Christian liberal arts approach that blends discussion-heavy classes with practical projects. Students lean into the sciences, business, the arts, education, and the humanities, supported by professors who teach and mentor. Labs, studios, performance spaces, and quiet study nooks feel lived in, and services like tutoring, counseling, and career coaching are easy to find.
Campus life skews close-knit and tradition-friendly. You'll see packed concerts and a student-run homecoming show, spirited intramurals, and weekend trips to nearby lakes and trails. Arkadelphia brings a small town welcome with coffee shops, internships, and plenty of ways to serve. Career prep has a reputation for internships, undergraduate research, and alumni connections across the South. Notable alumni include Mike Huckabee and Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) offers 59 degree programs across 21 major academic fields, graduating approximately 411 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (8 programs, 69 graduates), Health (3 programs, 58 graduates), Education (9 programs, 44 graduates), Biological Sciences (2 programs, 37 graduates) and Psychology (2 programs, 36 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (8 programs, 69 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finance, General | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Accounting | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Business Administration and Management | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
| Marketing Management | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0701 |
| Management Science | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1301 |
| Organizational Leadership | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0213 |
| Business Administration and Management | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0299 |
Health (3 programs, 58 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nursing | 38 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3803 |
| Dietetics | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
51.3101 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0299 |
Education (9 programs, 44 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 10 |
|
Master's
|
13.0301 |
| General Education | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.0101 |
| Music Teacher Education | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1312 |
| Secondary Education and Teaching | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1205 |
| Middle School Education and Teaching | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1203 |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1314 |
| Art Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1302 |
| Speech Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1331 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 37 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Biomedical Sciences | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0102 |
Psychology (2 programs, 36 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
| Applied Behavior Analysis | 16 |
|
Master's
|
42.2814 |
Arts (8 programs, 31 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0409 |
| Music Management | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.1003 |
| Musical Theatre | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0509 |
| Theatre Arts | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Art Studies | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
| Studio Arts, General | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Music | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Voice and Opera Performance | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0908 |
Communication (1 programs, 23 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0100 |
Kinesiology (3 programs, 21 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
| Sport and Fitness Management | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0504 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0501 |
Social Sciences (3 programs, 14 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Sociology | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Social Sciences | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.9999 |
Philosophy (2 programs, 13 graduates)
Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Studies | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
38.0203 |
| Philosophy | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
38.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Ouachita Baptist University (OBU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Ouachita Baptist University (OBU)
How much does it cost to attend Ouachita Baptist University (OBU)?
The annual tuition at Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) is $32,480 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $47,498 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $9,240 (on) / $8,928 (off) and books and supplies $1,100.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Ouachita Baptist University offer?
Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) offers 59 academic programs across 21 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (8 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (3 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (9 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Ouachita Baptist University?
Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) has an 68.5% acceptance rate and a 32% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 2,138
- Students admitted: 1,465
- Students enrolled: 469
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Ouachita Baptist University?
Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) provides financial aid to 26% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $23,073 and average loans of $6,921.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,605
- State/Local grants: $2,361
- Institutional grants: $20,373
- Federal loans: $5,458
The university supports 445 students with grants and 316 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Ouachita Baptist University graduates?
Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) graduates earn a median salary of $41,697 after 6 years and $51,673 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $34,167 (25th percentile) to $70,232 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $77,700 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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