About Oklahoma Baptist University
Oklahoma Baptist University builds character alongside careers through a Christ-centered education that emphasizes both faith and professional preparation. The university enrolls 1,292 students in the small town of Shawnee, where Baptist traditions shape campus life and academic programs. Students choose from strong programs in business, nursing, education, and ministry, with the university particularly known for producing teachers and church leaders. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in a close-knit community where chapel attendance is part of the routine.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $23,880 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $48,434 ten years after graduation. However, only 49.70% of students graduate within six years, and the typical graduate carries $24,801 in debt with monthly payments of $263. The return on investment depends heavily on completing your degree and choosing a career path that matches your education investment.
Campus life revolves around the Bison athletic programs competing in NCAA Division II, with 398 student-athletes receiving $4.9 million in athletic scholarships. The 96.5% employment rate for graduates shows strong job placement, though earnings vary by field of study and career choice.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $23,880 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $48,434 ten years after graduation. However, only 49.70% of students graduate within six years, and the typical graduate carries $24,801 in debt with monthly payments of $263. The return on investment depends heavily on completing your degree and choosing a career path that matches your education investment.
Campus life revolves around the Bison athletic programs competing in NCAA Division II, with 398 student-athletes receiving $4.9 million in athletic scholarships. The 96.5% employment rate for graduates shows strong job placement, though earnings vary by field of study and career choice.
Academics & Faculty
Oklahoma Baptist University centers its academics around Christian liberal arts education with strong professional programs. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where professors know students personally and integrate faith with learning. The university is particularly known for its nursing program, education degrees, and business school, which prepare students for careers while emphasizing Christian service. However, the 52% four-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees on time. The school's 49% six-year graduation rate indicates that academic support could be stronger. Students who thrive here typically want a close-knit Christian community where professors serve as mentors and spiritual guides alongside academic instructors.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.7%
- Retention Rate
- 68.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,434
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $42,123 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $34,793 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
Campus Life
The red brick campus in Shawnee sits 40 miles southeast of Oklahoma City, surrounded by rolling hills and small-town charm. You'll need both a winter coat and plenty of sunscreen here, as Oklahoma temperatures swing from freezing winters to sweltering 100-degree summers. With housing capacity for 1,200 students and total enrollment of 1,292, nearly everyone lives on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community.
The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students a January term for internships or study abroad between fall and spring semesters. Chapel attendance is required, reinforcing the Baptist identity that shapes campus culture. Students gather at Bison athletic events, with 398 athletes competing across 11 NCAA Division II sports. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and story. Weekends often revolve around campus events, trips to Oklahoma City for shopping and dining, or outdoor activities at nearby lakes. The small-town setting means most social life happens on campus, where Christian fellowship and service opportunities are woven into daily routines.
The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students a January term for internships or study abroad between fall and spring semesters. Chapel attendance is required, reinforcing the Baptist identity that shapes campus culture. Students gather at Bison athletic events, with 398 athletes competing across 11 NCAA Division II sports. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and story. Weekends often revolve around campus events, trips to Oklahoma City for shopping and dining, or outdoor activities at nearby lakes. The small-town setting means most social life happens on campus, where Christian fellowship and service opportunities are woven into daily routines.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,200 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1910
Campus Safety (2023)
20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 29°–49°F
- July Avg
- 71°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.3"
Student Demographics
Two-thirds of students come from Oklahoma, reflecting the university's strong ties to Baptist communities across the state. The student body draws 1,292 students who value faith-based education within a close-knit environment. Women make up 54% of enrollment, typical for liberal arts-focused Christian universities. About 31% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families seeking affordable Christian higher education. The demographic mix reflects Oklahoma Baptist's mission as a regional Baptist institution that attracts students prioritizing spiritual development alongside academic growth in a small-town setting.
- Men
- 45.8%
- Women
- 54.2%
- White
- 62.8%
- Black
- 6.8%
- Hispanic
- 2.0%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 64.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.7%
Location
Oklahoma Baptist University sits in Shawnee, Oklahoma, about 40 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. The 1,292-student campus operates in a town-distant setting that blends small-town charm with reasonable access to urban amenities. Shawnee serves as the county seat of Pottawatomie County and maintains a classic college town atmosphere with tree-lined streets and historic downtown districts. The surrounding region features rolling plains typical of central Oklahoma, where students experience distinct seasons and wide-open spaces. With 64.75% of students coming from in-state, the university draws heavily from Oklahoma's Baptist communities while maintaining connections to the broader Great Plains region. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare Oklahoma Baptist University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,434
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,496
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 70.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $263/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,801
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Oklahoma Baptist University?
Oklahoma Baptist University admits 47% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Christian institution. Students typically need an SAT score around 1060 or ACT score of 21 to be competitive for admission.
How much does Oklahoma Baptist University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $23,880 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $20,668, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full $44,490 total cost.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Oklahoma Baptist University?
Oklahoma Baptist maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,292 students. The university operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system that includes an intensive January term between fall and spring semesters.
Does Oklahoma Baptist University have good graduation outcomes?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 50%, which is modest for a private university. However, 97% of graduates find employment, and median earnings reach $48,434 ten years after graduation.
Where is Oklahoma Baptist University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Shawnee, Oklahoma, a small town setting that houses up to 1,200 students in residence halls. About 65% of students come from in-state, creating a close-knit community centered around Baptist values and traditions.
What athletic opportunities does Oklahoma Baptist University offer?
The Bison compete in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and 398 total athletes. The university awards over $4.9 million in athletic scholarships annually, reflecting a strong commitment to student-athlete development in the Great American Conference.
