OBU vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

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

Ouachita Baptist University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (1,858 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ouachita Baptist University 14:1; Stephens College 8:1.

OBU vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OBU or Stephens 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 Stephens College than OBU ($23,194 vs. $24,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ouachita Baptist University are 27.3% lower than at Stephens College ($9,720 vs. $13,366).
• Ouachita Baptist University is 21.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $6,200 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.9% higher at OBU than at Stephens College (about $6,200 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University as at Stephens College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephens College students is 2.2% larger than aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students ($23,341 vs. $22,830).

OBU vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 20 points higher than at OBU (1180).
• Incoming OBU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 1070/1280; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 22/28; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OBU - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman OBU students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than OBU (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at OBU vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

OBU vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OBU and Stephens 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).

• Ouachita Baptist University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from Ouachita Baptist University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,400 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ouachita Baptist University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, OBU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More OBU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 63%)

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.