OBU vs. McKendree University

Comparable Facts

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

McKendree University is larger than OBU based on total student enrollment (2,392 students vs. 1,858 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); McKendree University is in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ouachita Baptist University 14:1; McKendree University 16:1.

OBU vs. McKendree University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OBU or McKendree 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 McKendree University than OBU ($22,444 vs. $24,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ouachita Baptist University are 23.7% lower than at McKendree University ($9,720 vs. $12,742).
• McKendree University is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than OBU (about $240 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at McKendree University than at Ouachita Baptist University (about $240 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University than at McKendree University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 14.3% larger than aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students ($26,102 vs. $22,830).

OBU vs. McKendree University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OBU or McKendree 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 McKendree University and OBU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ouachita Baptist University (1180) is 110 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming OBU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at McKendree University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 1070/1280; McKendree University 871/1277.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 22/28; McKendree University 18/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OBU - Test optional; McKendree University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman OBU students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• McKendree University has a higher acceptance rate (71.7%) than OBU (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at OBU vs. 18.8% at McKendree University.

OBU vs. McKendree University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OBU and McKendree 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 McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than OBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $43,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ouachita Baptist University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than McKendree University graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, OBU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McKendree University graduates ($232 vs. $240).
• More OBU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 58%)

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.