OBU vs. SU

Comparable Facts

Compare Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR with Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ouachita Baptist University is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (1,858 students vs. 1,440 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Southwestern University is in Georgetown, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ouachita Baptist University 14:1; Southwestern University 11:1.

OBU vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OBU or SU? 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 SU ($24,532 vs. $32,228).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ouachita Baptist University are 35.5% lower than at Southwestern University ($9,720 vs. $15,072).
• Southwestern University is 56% more expensive for in-state tuition than OBU (about $19,313 more per year; $53,813.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56% higher at SU than at Ouachita Baptist University (about $19,313 more per year; $53,813.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University than at Southwestern University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southwestern University students is 54% larger than aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students ($35,162 vs. $22,830).

OBU vs. SU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southwestern University (1220) is 40 points higher than at OBU (1180).
• Incoming SU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at OBU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 1070/1280; Southwestern University 1130/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 22/28; Southwestern University 26/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OBU - Test optional; SU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman OBU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at SU (3.5).
• OBU has a higher acceptance rate (67.5%) than SU (43.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at OBU vs. 13.8% at SU.

OBU vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OBU and SU? 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).

• Southwestern University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Ouachita Baptist University's (63%).
• Graduates from Southwestern University earn a median of about $14,000 more per year than OBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $43,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ouachita Baptist University graduates have a $4,393 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,893).
• Among borrowers, OBU graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($232 vs. $278).
• More SU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OBU students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.