OBU vs. Valpo

Comparable Facts

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

Valparaiso University is larger than OBU based on total student enrollment (2,579 students vs. 1,858 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Valparaiso University is in Valparaiso, IN (Large Suburban setting).
• Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Valparaiso University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ouachita Baptist University 14:1; Valparaiso University 10:1.

OBU vs. Valpo Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OBU or Valpo? 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 Valparaiso University than OBU ($21,766 vs. $24,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ouachita Baptist University are 28.6% lower than at Valparaiso University ($9,720 vs. $13,618).
• Valparaiso University is 40.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than OBU (about $13,950 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.4% higher at Valpo than at Ouachita Baptist University (about $13,950 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University as at Valparaiso University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 64.5% larger than aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students ($37,548 vs. $22,830).

OBU vs. Valpo Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ouachita Baptist University (1180) is 10 points higher than at Valpo (1170).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at OBU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 1070/1280; Valparaiso University 1060/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 22/28; Valparaiso University 23/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OBU - Test optional; Valpo - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Valpo students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at OBU (3.72).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than OBU (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at OBU vs. 9.6% at Valpo.

OBU vs. Valpo Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OBU and Valpo? 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).

• Valparaiso University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Ouachita Baptist University's (63%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than OBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 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 Valpo graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, OBU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valpo graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Valpo 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.