OBU vs. Belhaven University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR with Belhaven University in Jackson, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Belhaven University is larger than OBU based on total student enrollment (4,213 students vs. 1,858 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Belhaven University is in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Belhaven University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ouachita Baptist University 14:1; Belhaven University 12:1.

OBU vs. Belhaven University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OBU or Belhaven University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Belhaven University than OBU ($16,299 vs. $24,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ouachita Baptist University are 0.8% lower than at Belhaven University ($9,720 vs. $9,800).
• Ouachita Baptist University is 14% more expensive for in-state tuition than Belhaven University (about $4,250 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $30,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14% higher at OBU than at Belhaven University (about $4,250 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $30,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University than at Belhaven University (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Belhaven University students is 3.5% larger than aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students ($23,625 vs. $22,830).

OBU vs. Belhaven University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OBU or Belhaven University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Belhaven University and OBU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ouachita Baptist University (1180) is 30 points higher than at Belhaven University (1150).
• Incoming OBU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Belhaven University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 1070/1280; Belhaven University 1010/1298.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 22/28; Belhaven University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OBU - Test optional; Belhaven University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman OBU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Belhaven University (3.5).
• OBU has a higher acceptance rate (67.5%) than Belhaven University (49.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at OBU vs. 18.5% at Belhaven University.

OBU vs. Belhaven University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OBU and Belhaven University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Ouachita Baptist University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Belhaven University's (48%).
• Graduates from Ouachita Baptist University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Belhaven University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,400 vs. $40,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ouachita Baptist University graduates have a $5,902 lower median loan debt than Belhaven University graduates ($22,500 vs. $28,402).
• Among borrowers, OBU graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Belhaven University graduates ($232 vs. $293).
• More OBU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Belhaven University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 47%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.