OBU vs. Benedictine University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR with Benedictine University in Lisle, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Benedictine University is larger than OBU based on total student enrollment (2,917 students vs. 1,858 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Benedictine University is in Lisle, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Benedictine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ouachita Baptist University 14:1; Benedictine University 15:1.

OBU vs. Benedictine University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OBU or Benedictine 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 Benedictine University than OBU ($23,139 vs. $24,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ouachita Baptist University are 10.4% lower than at Benedictine University ($9,720 vs. $10,850).
• Benedictine University is 4.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than OBU (about $1,440 more per year; $35,940.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at Benedictine University than at Ouachita Baptist University (about $1,440 more per year; $35,940.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University than at Benedictine University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedictine University students is 0.4% larger than aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students ($22,911 vs. $22,830).

OBU vs. Benedictine University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OBU or Benedictine University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Benedictine University and OBU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Ouachita Baptist University (1180) is 10 points higher than at Benedictine University (1170).
• Incoming OBU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Benedictine University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Ouachita Baptist University 1070/1280; Benedictine University 1050/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Ouachita Baptist University 22/28; Benedictine University 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OBU - Test optional; Benedictine University - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman OBU students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Benedictine University (3.26).
• Benedictine University has a higher acceptance rate (95.2%) than OBU (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at OBU vs. 15.6% at Benedictine University.

OBU vs. Benedictine University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OBU and Benedictine University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Ouachita Baptist University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Benedictine University's (49%).
• Graduates from Benedictine University earn a median of about $9,400 more per year than OBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $43,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Benedictine University graduates have a $200 lower median loan debt than OBU graduates ($22,300 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Benedictine University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OBU graduates ($230 vs. $232).
• More OBU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedictine University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 56%)

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.