OBU vs. Chatham

Comparable Facts

Compare Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR with Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Chatham University is larger than OBU based on total student enrollment (2,309 students vs. 1,858 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Chatham University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Chatham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ouachita Baptist University 14:1; Chatham University 10:1.

OBU vs. Chatham Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OBU or Chatham? 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 Ouachita Baptist University than Chatham ($24,532 vs. $31,280).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ouachita Baptist University are 28.5% lower than at Chatham University ($9,720 vs. $13,600).
• Chatham University is 29.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than OBU (about $10,126 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.4% higher at Chatham than at Ouachita Baptist University (about $10,126 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University as at Chatham University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chatham University students is 31.8% larger than aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students ($30,095 vs. $22,830).

OBU vs. Chatham Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OBU or Chatham? 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 Chatham and OBU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ouachita Baptist University (1180) is the same as at Chatham (1180).
• Incoming OBU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Chatham (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 1070/1280; Chatham University 1070/1295.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 22/28; Chatham University 21/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OBU - Test optional; Chatham - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Chatham students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at OBU (3.72).
• OBU has a higher acceptance rate (67.5%) than Chatham (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at OBU vs. 12.7% at Chatham.

OBU vs. Chatham Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OBU and Chatham? 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 Chatham University's (60%).
• Graduates from Ouachita Baptist University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Chatham graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chatham University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than OBU graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Chatham graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OBU graduates ($211 vs. $232).
• More OBU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chatham students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 62%)

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.