About Ouachita Baptist University
This Arkansas institution has built a reputation for strong music and theater programs that attract students across the South. With 1,612 students on a town campus, Ouachita Baptist creates the intimate college experience many seek. The university's Christian liberal arts foundation has produced notable graduates including NFL Hall of Fame safety Cliff Harris and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for families seeking value. While tuition lists at $32,480, most students pay an average net price of $22,355 after aid. Graduates typically earn $51,673 ten years after graduation, with median debt of just $21,050. The monthly loan payment of $223 remains manageable against those earning levels. Nearly 30% of students receive institutional grants averaging $22,181.
The Tigers compete in 18 NCAA Division II sports with 577 student-athletes sharing over $3.6 million in athletic scholarships. The campus houses 1,661 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where 83% of freshmen return for sophomore year. With a 68% four-year graduation rate, students move efficiently toward degrees and careers.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for families seeking value. While tuition lists at $32,480, most students pay an average net price of $22,355 after aid. Graduates typically earn $51,673 ten years after graduation, with median debt of just $21,050. The monthly loan payment of $223 remains manageable against those earning levels. Nearly 30% of students receive institutional grants averaging $22,181.
The Tigers compete in 18 NCAA Division II sports with 577 student-athletes sharing over $3.6 million in athletic scholarships. The campus houses 1,661 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where 83% of freshmen return for sophomore year. With a 68% four-year graduation rate, students move efficiently toward degrees and careers.
Academics & Faculty
Ouachita Baptist operates as a Christian liberal arts university where students explore broad academic foundations alongside their faith. The school has built a reputation for strong music and theater programs that attract performers from across the region. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students personally and provide individualized attention throughout their academic journey. This close mentorship helps explain the solid 70% six-year graduation rate. The liberal arts approach means students take courses across multiple disciplines before focusing on their major. Strong programs in education and business complement the performing arts, while the Christian worldview integrates into classroom discussions and campus life.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 95.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 67.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.3%
- Retention Rate
- 82.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,673
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $44,776 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,748 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $36,726 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $27,439 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $25,967 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $23,351 |
| Religion/Religious Studies. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
Campus Life
Arkadelphia sits 70 miles southwest of Little Rock, giving students access to a larger city while maintaining small-town charm. With housing capacity for 1,661 students and total enrollment of 1,612, nearly every student can live on campus if they choose. Arkansas weather means hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional ice storms.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight-knit classroom communities where professors know your name. Campus traditions center around the Tigers' 18 varsity sports programs competing in NCAA Division II. Students gather for football games and the annual Battle of the Ravine against Henderson State. The Southern Baptist foundation shapes campus culture through required chapel services and faith-based programming.
Weekend activities often revolve around Little Rock trips, outdoor recreation along the nearby Ouachita River, or campus events. The strong music and theater programs regularly host concerts and productions that draw the entire student body. With 577 student-athletes on a campus of 1,612, sports culture runs deep. Most social life happens on or near campus in this college town setting.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight-knit classroom communities where professors know your name. Campus traditions center around the Tigers' 18 varsity sports programs competing in NCAA Division II. Students gather for football games and the annual Battle of the Ravine against Henderson State. The Southern Baptist foundation shapes campus culture through required chapel services and faith-based programming.
Weekend activities often revolve around Little Rock trips, outdoor recreation along the nearby Ouachita River, or campus events. The strong music and theater programs regularly host concerts and productions that draw the entire student body. With 577 student-athletes on a campus of 1,612, sports culture runs deep. Most social life happens on or near campus in this college town setting.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,661 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1886
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–54°F
- July Avg
- 71°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.4"
Student Demographics
Ouachita draws students who value faith-based education with strong liberal arts programs. Nearly two-thirds of students come from Arkansas, reflecting the university's deep roots in the state and reputation among Southern Baptist families. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, which aligns with the school's emphasis on music, theater, and education programs that traditionally attract more female students. The student body is predominantly white, mirroring Arkansas demographics. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families seeking affordable Christian higher education.
- Men
- 43.4%
- Women
- 56.6%
- White
- 81.6%
- Black
- 5.8%
- Hispanic
- 6.0%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 62.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.6%
Location
Ouachita Baptist University sits in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, about 65 miles southwest of Little Rock. The town of 10,000 residents doubles as a classic college community, with the university's 1,612 students making up a significant portion of the local population. Arkadelphia rests in the Ouachita Mountains foothills, offering rolling hills and outdoor recreation opportunities that appeal to students who enjoy hiking and lake activities. The town hosts two universities, creating a distinctive college atmosphere despite its small size. The rural setting provides a tight-knit campus experience while remaining accessible to Arkansas's capital city. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Ouachita Baptist University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71998-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,673
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,168
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 68.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,050
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Ouachita Baptist University?
Ouachita Baptist University accepts 72% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020 and 1200 on the SAT, with an average of 1110.
How much does Ouachita Baptist University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $22,355 after financial aid, lower than the full tuition of $32,480. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $19,709, as this Baptist university prioritizes making Christian education accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Ouachita Baptist University?
The student-faculty ratio is 12:1 across the 1,612-student campus. This small class environment supports the university's reputation for strong music and theater programs, where individual mentorship is crucial.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Ouachita Baptist University?
About 68% of students graduate within four years, and 94.9% find employment after graduation. Alumni earn a median salary of $51,673 ten years after graduation, with graduates like former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee exemplifying the university's influence.
Where is Ouachita Baptist University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, a small town setting with housing capacity for 1,661 students. With 577 student-athletes competing in 18 NCAA Division II sports and a strong Baptist community culture, campus life centers around faith and athletics.
Does Ouachita Baptist University have strong athletic programs?
The Tigers compete in NCAA Division II with $3.67 million in athletic scholarships distributed across 18 varsity sports. With 577 total athletes at a school of just 1,612 students, athletics play a major role in campus culture and the Great American Conference.
