Acceptance Rate
68%
Avg. SAT
1280
75th percentile
“Faith-infused liberal arts college in Arkansas mountains famous for its epic student lip-sync battles.”
Arkadelphia, AR
Location
Town
Campus Setting
Ouachita Baptist University traces its roots to 1886, when Arkansas Baptists established it along the Ouachita River to train ministers and educators amid the piney woods of southwest Arkansas. Tucked in tiny Arkadelphia, a town of about 10,000 that feels worlds away from big cities, the campus draws students who crave a tight-knit community where faith shapes daily life. You'll find a place that prizes personal growth through chapel services and service projects, but it demands commitment to Christian principles—those seeking a secular environment might feel out of step here. The surrounding Ouachita Mountains offer hiking and lake access nearby, though the rural setting means driving for shopping or entertainment. Tradeoffs include a sleepy small-town pace with limited off-campus options and higher costs typical of private schools.
Photo Gallery
+3
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
Test-optional schools still weigh strong scores. Submitting can help.
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classes emphasize discussion and faculty mentorship in a setting where professors know your name, thanks to the small student body. Standouts include teacher education, nursing, business, and the performing arts, particularly music and theater programs that fill the stage with student talent. You'll integrate faith into coursework across disciplines, from biology labs to accounting seminars, fostering a sense of purpose. Large lecture halls stay rare, but popular majors like nursing fill quickly, so early declaration helps. Research leans toward undergraduate projects rather than massive labs.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,729 undergrad • 129 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
82%
Black / African American
6%
Hispanic / Latino
6%
Asian
1%
Other / Multi-racial
6%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Arkadelphia, AR
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus pulses with required thrice-weekly chapel, Tiger Tunes—a massive lip-sync competition that packs the arena—and community service days like Tiger Traks. Most students live on campus in residence halls that mix freshmen with upperclassmen, building instant friendships over dorm Bible studies or pickup basketball. Weekends mix bonfires, lake trips to DeGray, and low-key hangouts, with the social scene staying tame and faith-focused rather than party-heavy. Arkadelphia's quiet streets limit urban nightlife, and hot summers test your tolerance for humidity. You'll bond deeply in this close community, but introverts or city lovers might crave more variety.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Great American Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$17,009
$30K – $48K
$17,155
$48K – $75K
$18,203
$75K – $110K
$22,696
$110K+
$22,821
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
83%
4 Years Graduation Rate
68%
6 Years Graduation Rate
72%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$51,673
83% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Ouachita Baptist University and return in the fall. 68% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 72% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
68%
4-6 years
4%
Non-grad
28%
Let’s find your perfect tutor
Answer a few quick questions. We’ll recommend the right plan and match you with a top 5% tutor.
Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$30,500
Acceptance
68%
Undergrads
1,729
4-Year Grad Rate
68%
Endowment
$142M
Arkadelphia, AR 71998-0001
Explore More