OBU vs. TCU

Comparable Facts

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

Texas Christian University is larger than OBU based on total student enrollment (12,938 students vs. 1,858 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Texas Christian University is in Fort Worth, TX (Large City setting).
• Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ouachita Baptist University 14:1; Texas Christian University 14:1.

OBU vs. TCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OBU or TCU? 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 TCU ($24,532 vs. $41,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ouachita Baptist University are 41.8% lower than at Texas Christian University ($9,720 vs. $16,700).
• Texas Christian University is 79% more expensive for in-state tuition than OBU (about $27,240 more per year; $61,740.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79% higher at TCU than at Ouachita Baptist University (about $27,240 more per year; $61,740.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University than at Texas Christian University (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Texas Christian University students is 53.2% larger than aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students ($34,975 vs. $22,830).

OBU vs. TCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Texas Christian University (1250) is 70 points higher than at OBU (1180).
• Incoming TCU 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; Texas Christian University 1140/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 22/28; Texas Christian University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OBU - Test optional; TCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TCU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman OBU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at TCU (3.68).
• OBU has a higher acceptance rate (67.5%) than TCU (44.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at OBU vs. 24.7% at TCU.

OBU vs. TCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OBU and TCU? 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).

• Texas Christian University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Ouachita Baptist University's (63%).
• Graduates from Texas Christian University earn a median of about $14,200 more per year than OBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $43,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Texas Christian University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than OBU graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, TCU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OBU graduates ($222 vs. $232).
• More TCU 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.