Ouachita Baptist University vs Harding University

Ouachita Baptist University and Harding University, both esteemed private Christian universities in Arkansas, offer distinct educational experiences. Ouachita, located in Arkadelphia, boasts a higher acceptance rate (75%) compared to Harding's (68%). While Harding's student body is slightly larger, Ouachita's student-to-faculty ratio is more favorable at 13:1. Both universities excel in various academic areas, with Ouachita excelling in nursing, education, and business, while Harding shines in engineering, pharmacy, and physical therapy. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions' unique strengths, including graduation rates, popular majors, and student demographics, to determine which university best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Harding University	Ouachita Baptist University
Overview
Location	Searcy, Arkansas	Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Campus setting	Town: Distant	Town: Distant
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	84.0%	84.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation	Churches of Christ	Baptist

Admission
Acceptance rate	54.1%	73.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $45	$40
SAT range	1050 - 1300	N/A
ACT range	20 - 28	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	23.0%
Students submitting ACT score	80.0%
Total number of applicants	2,200	2,610
Total number of admissions given out	1,191	1,925
Admitted students who chose to enroll	748	485
Yield rate	62.8%	25.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$34,538	$44,910
Average net price	$20,533	$20,074
Tuition	$21,690	$29,480
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,068 Meal plan: $4,658	Room/dormitory: $4,370 Meal plan: $4,140
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	97.0% Average amount $12,769	100.0% Average amount $21,394
Students receiving federal student loan	45.0% Average amount $5,607	70.0% Average amount $5,357
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $12,585	8.0% Average amount $13,978

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,684 Men 43.8% Women 56.2%	1,716 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%
Graduate students	1,289 Men 34.0% Women 66.0%	48 Men 2.1% Women 97.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	38.8%
International students	6.2%	1.9%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	2,867	1,602
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Arkansas Texas Louisiana Oklahoma Tennessee

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Business Communication and Journalism Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	Business Education Health Professions Visual & Performing Arts Philosophy and Religious Studies
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	67.2%	66.8%
Dropout rate	31.7%	33.0%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $117,748 Year 2: $124,539 Year 3: $127,639 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,011 Year 2: $106,978 Year 3: $105,028 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,933 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $88,179 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $69,415 Year 2: $68,618 Year 3: $71,365 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,335 Year 2: $66,104 Year 3: $69,942 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,533 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $67,054 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,156 Year 2: $52,733 Year 3: $65,082 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,219 Year 2: $57,047 Year 3: $64,125 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,088 Year 2: $58,221 Year 3: $62,592 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,124 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $60,778	Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,579 Year 2: $44,776 Year 3: $51,108 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,699 Year 2: $36,726 Year 3: $42,665 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,047 Year 2: $37,748 Year 3: $38,112 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,498 Year 2: $37,208 Year 3: $37,714 Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,967 Year 3: $31,315 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $27,439 Year 3: N/A Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $23,351 Year 3: N/A Religion/Religious Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $21,508 Year 3: N/A Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $22,174 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $37,208 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Ouachita Baptist University and Harding University?

Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) and Harding University are both Christian institutions in Arkansas, but they differ in size, denominational affiliation, and campus culture. OBU is smaller, affiliated with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, and known for its strong fine arts programs and close-knit community. Harding is larger, associated with the Churches of Christ, and offers a broader range of academic programs, including a well-regarded business school and a robust international studies program. Harding also has a more structured campus life with stricter social regulations.
Which university is larger, Ouachita Baptist or Harding?

Harding University is significantly larger than Ouachita Baptist University. Harding typically enrolls around 5,000-6,000 students, while Ouachita Baptist usually has an enrollment of approximately 1,700-1,800 students.
What are the religious affiliations of Ouachita Baptist University and Harding University?

Ouachita Baptist University is affiliated with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, which is part of the Southern Baptist Convention. Harding University is associated with the Churches of Christ.
How do the academic programs compare between the two universities?

Both universities offer a variety of undergraduate programs. Harding University has a wider array of programs, including strong offerings in business, communication, and health sciences. Ouachita Baptist University is particularly well-regarded for its fine arts programs (music, theatre, visual arts) and its Patterson School of Natural Sciences. Both institutions emphasize a liberal arts foundation.
What is campus life like at Ouachita Baptist University versus Harding University?

Ouachita Baptist University is known for its close-knit community and active student life. There are numerous student organizations, intramural sports, and campus events. Harding University has a more structured campus environment with specific social regulations, including dress code expectations and chapel attendance requirements. Harding also offers a wide range of clubs, organizations, and athletic opportunities.
What are the tuition costs and financial aid opportunities at each university?

Tuition costs can vary annually, so it's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information. Both Ouachita Baptist University and Harding University offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The availability and amount of aid will depend on individual circumstances and academic merit. It's recommended to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal aid.
What are the admission requirements for Ouachita Baptist University and Harding University?

Both universities typically require applicants to submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and letters of recommendation. Specific requirements may vary, so it's best to consult the admissions websites of each university for detailed information. Both institutions consider factors such as GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, and personal essays during the admissions process.
Which university is located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas?

Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Harding University is located in Searcy, Arkansas.
How do the athletic programs compare between Ouachita Baptist and Harding?

Both Ouachita Baptist University and Harding University have strong athletic programs. Ouachita Baptist University competes in NCAA Division II as part of the Great American Conference (GAC). Harding University also competes in NCAA Division II as part of the GAC. Both offer a variety of sports for men and women, including football, basketball, baseball/softball, and soccer. Harding is known for its strong cross country and track programs.
What kind of student would thrive at Ouachita Baptist University versus Harding University?

A student who values a smaller, close-knit community, a strong emphasis on fine arts, and a Baptist-affiliated environment might thrive at Ouachita Baptist University. A student who prefers a larger university with a wider range of academic programs, a more structured campus life with specific social expectations, and an affiliation with the Churches of Christ might thrive at Harding University. Ultimately, the best fit depends on individual preferences and priorities.

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