OBU vs. LSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR with Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Louisiana State University is larger than OBU based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 1,858 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Louisiana State University is in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ouachita Baptist University 14:1; Louisiana State University 21:1.

OBU vs. LSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OBU or LSU? 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 Louisiana State University than OBU ($21,430 vs. $24,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ouachita Baptist University are 35.8% lower than at Louisiana State University ($9,720 vs. $15,142).
• Ouachita Baptist University is 188.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSU (about $22,546 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $11,954.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.5% higher at OBU than at Louisiana State University (about $5,869 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $28,631.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University than at Louisiana State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students is 62% larger than aid received by Louisiana State University students ($22,830 vs. $14,094).

OBU vs. LSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University (1260) is 80 points higher than at OBU (1180).
• Incoming LSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at OBU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 1070/1280; Louisiana State University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 22/28; Louisiana State University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OBU - Test optional; LSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at OBU (3.72).
• LSU has a higher acceptance rate (73.3%) than OBU (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at OBU vs. 23% at LSU.

OBU vs. LSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OBU and LSU? 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 Louisiana State University's (60%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than OBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $43,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University graduates have a $1,600 lower median loan debt than OBU graduates ($20,900 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, LSU graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OBU graduates ($216 vs. $232).
• More OBU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LSU students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 67%)

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.