University of Arkansas (Uark) vs Ouachita Baptist University

When it comes to higher education, the University of Arkansas and Ouachita Baptist University offer distinct experiences for prospective students. The University of Arkansas, a public research university, boasts a significantly larger student body and a wider range of academic programs compared to Ouachita Baptist University, a private Christian liberal arts university. While both institutions offer strong academic programs, their acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates vary considerably. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into the specific differences between these two universities and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Ouachita Baptist University logo

Ouachita Baptist University

University of Arkansas logo

University of Arkansas

Overview

Location Arkadelphia, Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas
Campus setting Town: Distant City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 84.0% 87.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation Baptist

Admission

Acceptance rate 73.8% 82.7%
Application fees $40
Undergraduate: $40

Graduate: $60
SAT range N/A 1050 - 1220
ACT range N/A 21 - 28
Students submitting SAT score 26.0%
Students submitting ACT score 78.0%
Total number of applicants 2,610 21,462
Total number of admissions given out 1,925 17,743
Admitted students who chose to enroll 485 6,065
Yield rate 25.2% 34.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $44,910
In state: $26,978

Out of state: $43,794
Average net price $20,074 $15,218
Tuition $29,480
In state: $7,666

Out of state: $24,482
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $4,370

Meal plan: $4,140
Room/dormitory: $7,744

Meal plan: $4,198
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $21,394
65.0%
Average amount $8,362
Students receiving federal student loan 70.0%
Average amount $5,357
38.0%
Average amount $5,442
Students taking out private loans 8.0%
Average amount $13,978
6.0%
Average amount $16,058

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 1,716
Men 43.5% Women 56.5%
24,265
Men 44.1% Women 55.9%
Graduate students 48
Men 2.1% Women 97.9%
4,803
Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Low
Out-of-state students 38.8% 56.6%
International students 1.9% 4.1%
Campus local/setting Town: Distant City: Small
Dormitory capacity 1,602 6,232
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Arkansas Texas Louisiana Oklahoma Tennessee Arkansas Texas Missouri Oklahoma Kansas

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies
  • Engineering
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Engineering Technologies
Students to faculty ratio 13:1 19:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 66.8% 69.7%
Dropout rate 33.0% 28.4%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
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
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $122,450
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $123,792
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,048
  • Year 2: $71,854
  • Year 3: $82,519
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,784
  • Year 2: $69,079
  • Year 3: $80,036
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,033
  • Year 2: $78,343
  • Year 3: $78,844
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,024
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $75,031
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,436
  • Year 2: $68,778
  • Year 3: $74,432
Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,594
  • Year 2: $69,524
  • Year 3: $73,914
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,595
  • Year 2: $62,463
  • Year 3: $72,333
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,737
  • Year 2: $58,479
  • Year 3: $68,196
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,418
  • Year 2: $50,606
  • Year 3: $66,051

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What is the primary difference in size between the University of Arkansas and Ouachita Baptist University?

    The University of Arkansas is significantly larger than Ouachita Baptist University. The University of Arkansas has a much larger student body, faculty, and campus footprint, offering a wider range of academic programs and campus activities. Ouachita Baptist University is a smaller, more intimate institution.

  • How do the academic offerings compare at the two universities?

    The University of Arkansas offers a broader and more diverse range of academic programs, including doctoral programs and extensive research opportunities. Ouachita Baptist University primarily focuses on undergraduate programs, with a strong emphasis on liberal arts and professional studies within a Christian environment. While both offer strong programs, the scope differs considerably.

  • What is the typical cost of attendance at each university?

    Tuition and fees at the University of Arkansas are generally higher than at Ouachita Baptist University, especially for out-of-state students. However, financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both institutions. It's recommended to check the specific tuition rates and financial aid packages on each university's website for the most up-to-date information.

  • How would you describe the campus culture at the University of Arkansas versus Ouachita Baptist University?

    The University of Arkansas has a large, vibrant campus culture with a strong emphasis on athletics (especially the Razorbacks), Greek life, and a wide array of student organizations. Ouachita Baptist University fosters a close-knit, faith-based community with a focus on student involvement, service, and a more intimate social environment. The culture at Ouachita is strongly influenced by its Baptist affiliation.

  • What are the strengths of the University of Arkansas?

    The University of Arkansas excels in its large size, diverse academic programs, research opportunities, strong athletics program, and extensive campus resources. It offers a wide range of experiences and opportunities for students from various backgrounds.

  • What are the strengths of Ouachita Baptist University?

    Ouachita Baptist University is known for its strong sense of community, personalized attention from faculty, emphasis on Christian values, and a supportive learning environment. It provides a focused undergraduate experience with a strong liberal arts foundation.

  • How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

    The University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, a growing city with a vibrant arts and culture scene, offering a wide range of off-campus activities and opportunities. Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, a smaller town, which contributes to its close-knit community feel. The location influences the types of activities and experiences available to students.

  • Are there significant differences in the student-to-faculty ratio?

    Yes, the student-to-faculty ratio is considerably different. Ouachita Baptist University typically has a much lower student-to-faculty ratio than the University of Arkansas. This often translates to smaller class sizes and more individualized attention from professors at Ouachita.

  • Which university is better for students seeking a strong religious affiliation?

    Ouachita Baptist University is the clear choice for students seeking a strong religious affiliation. It is a Baptist university with a curriculum and campus culture deeply rooted in Christian values. While the University of Arkansas welcomes students of all faiths, it does not have a religious affiliation.

  • How do the career services compare at the two universities?

    Both universities offer career services to assist students with career planning and job placement. The University of Arkansas, due to its larger size and broader network, may offer a wider range of career fairs and internship opportunities. However, Ouachita Baptist University's career services often provide personalized guidance and support within their smaller community.

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