At $22,355/yr net price, Ouachita Baptist University graduates earn $51,673/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,673/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,355 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $89,420 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,673/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,673/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,050 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,709/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,326/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,813/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,238/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,523/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $44,776 | $21,320 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,748 | $25,197 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $22,750 |
| 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 | $19,500 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $23,351 | $24,322 |
| Religion/Religious Studies. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
The Risk Factor
70.3% of students at Ouachita Baptist University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Ouachita Baptist University delivers modest financial returns that lag behind many four-year institutions, with graduates earning a median $51,673 after ten years while carrying $21,050 in debt.
Your program choice matters significantly at OBU. Finance majors earn $44,776 annually, making it the clear winner financially despite similar debt loads to other programs. Education majors face a tougher reality, earning just $37,748 while carrying the highest debt burden at $25,197. Communication, design, and management programs cluster around $37,000 in earnings, offering limited financial upside.
The 70% graduation rate creates real risk that you might leave with debt but no degree. With only 23% of students receiving financial aid, most families pay close to the full $22,355 annual price tag. This makes OBU particularly expensive for middle-class families who don't qualify for aid but struggle with the cost.
OBU makes financial sense if you're pursuing finance or can afford the full cost without borrowing heavily. The strong retention rate suggests students generally succeed once enrolled. You should look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid, plan to major in education, or want higher earning potential after graduation.
The school's Arkansas location limits job market opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas, which partly explains the modest graduate earnings across all programs. Conservative borrowing keeps debt manageable, but the earnings don't justify taking on significant additional debt beyond federal loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ouachita Baptist University worth the cost?
With a net price of $22,355 per year and median earnings of $51,673 after 10 years, Ouachita offers moderate value but not exceptional returns. The median debt of $21,050 is manageable, though graduates earn less than many four-year university alumni.
What are the best paying majors at Ouachita Baptist University?
Finance graduates earn the highest at $44,776 annually, while most other programs fall in the $36,000-38,000 range. Education and media studies graduates face below-average earning potential that may not justify the full cost of attendance.
How much debt do Ouachita Baptist University students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $21,050, which is reasonable compared to national averages. However, with many graduates earning in the high $30,000s, loan payments could strain budgets for those in lower-paying fields.
Does Ouachita Baptist University have good job placement after graduation?
The 70% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their programs. While the school provides career services, earning outcomes vary significantly by major, with only finance graduates reaching competitive salary levels.