OBU vs. Simpson College

Comparable Facts

Compare Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR with Simpson College in Indianola, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ouachita Baptist University is larger than Simpson College based on total student enrollment (1,858 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Simpson College is in Indianola, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ouachita Baptist University 14:1; Simpson College 12:1.

OBU vs. Simpson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OBU or Simpson College? 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 Simpson College than OBU ($23,282 vs. $24,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ouachita Baptist University are 7.4% lower than at Simpson College ($9,720 vs. $10,500).
• Simpson College is 38.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than OBU (about $13,156 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.1% higher at Simpson College than at Ouachita Baptist University (about $13,156 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University as at Simpson College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 66% larger than aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students ($37,896 vs. $22,830).

OBU vs. Simpson College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ouachita Baptist University (1180) is 90 points higher than at Simpson College (1090).
• Incoming OBU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Simpson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 1070/1280; Simpson College 890/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 22/28; Simpson College 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OBU - Test optional; Simpson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman OBU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Simpson College (3.62).
• Simpson College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than OBU (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at OBU vs. 21.6% at Simpson College.

OBU vs. Simpson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OBU and Simpson College? 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).

• Simpson College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Ouachita Baptist University's (63%).
• Graduates from Simpson College earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than OBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $43,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ouachita Baptist University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Simpson College graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, OBU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson College graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Simpson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OBU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 71%)

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.