Ouachita Baptist University

Ouachita offers 60+ programs across seven schools, with popular majors including communications/journalism (6% of degrees), parks/recreation (6%), and psychology (5%). All students take a CORE curriculum of liberal arts requirements. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio supports intimate classrooms, and the 66% graduation rate—highest among Southern Baptist colleges—suggests students stick around. For the undecided, Ouachita promotes exploratory coursework early on, with one alum noting: 'My freshman year, I mostly took the typical CORE classes... to give me time to explore different areas.'

Campus life revolves around Ouachita’s unique social club system—homegrown alternatives to Greek life with decades of tradition. A full 93% of students live on campus, fostering what Niche calls 'meaningful relationships' in this 1,500-student community. The Office of Student Life orchestrates events to 'facilitate connections,' but much socialization happens organically through clubs, intramurals, and Division II athletics (the Tigers compete in the NCAA’s Great American Conference). One parent’s guide notes: 'Unlike Greek life at many universities, Ouachita doesn’t have national fraternities and sororities. Instead, we have longstanding social clubs.'

Ouachita boasts a 99% career outcomes rate for recent grads—with 83% of surveyed alumni responding, well above the 75% national average. Its 66% graduation rate outpaces peers like Union University (58%) and Clear Creek Baptist Bible College (50%). The university touts these numbers aggressively, noting in a press release its 'second consecutive 99% career outcomes rate.' About one-third of graduates pursue further education, while others enter fields aligned with top majors like communications and kinesiology.

Tuition runs $52,222 annually, but 57% of students receive financial aid—averaging $31,657 per package and bringing the net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down to $20,677. Ouachita awards over $42M annually in scholarships/grants, with tools like a [Scholarship Calculator](https://obu.edu/finaid/tuition-value/scholarship-calculator.php) and [Net Price Calculator](https://admissions.obu.edu/register/netpricecalculator) to estimate costs. Aid blends merit and need-based options, plus state and private sources. As the Financial Aid office puts it: 'We offer a comprehensive program... to help with the costs of private higher education.'

Ouachita Baptist carves a niche as a small, faith-driven campus where social clubs—not frat houses—define student life, and where career outcomes rival elite liberal arts colleges (99% placement). Its 13:1 classes and Baptist identity attract students seeking close mentorship and spiritual growth, while its 66% graduation rate—tops among Southern Baptist schools—proves it retains them. As one parent’s guide noted, Ouachita swaps 'national fraternities' for homegrown traditions, creating a culture that’s 'vibrant' (per Niche) but unmistakably its own.