Exploring Ouachita Baptist University's Student Population

Ouachita Baptist University, a private liberal arts university, has seen a surge in student enrollment in recent years. The university reported its highest spring enrollment in over 40 years in Spring 2024, with a total headcount of 1,722 students. This trend continued into Fall 2024, with the university reporting its highest enrollment in 58 years, totalling 1,858 students. The university's strong student recruitment and retention efforts have led to a 20% total enrollment increase since 2016, with a notable rise in the number of first-time freshmen who excel academically.

Ouachita Baptist University's Fall 2023 enrollment was 1,815, its highest in 57 years

Ouachita Baptist University, a private liberal arts university, has reported its highest enrolment in 57 years, with a Fall 2023 headcount of 1,815. This number includes residential, online and graduate students, as well as high school students taking Ouachita courses for concurrent credit.

The university has sustained momentum in student recruitment and retention, maintaining steady growth with a total enrolment surge of 20% since 2016. This is in contrast to reports of declining enrolment in colleges and universities nationwide. The total number of undergraduate residential students is 1,581, with 81 students enrolled in the university's six graduate programs.

Among this year's 469 first-time freshmen, there are two National Merit finalists and 33 Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholars. The cohort earned a collective high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 out of 4.0, with almost half earning a high school GPA of 4.0 or higher.

The retention rate at Ouachita Baptist University is impressive, with 83% of last year's freshmen returning for their sophomore year. This is a retention rate 22% higher than the average for four-year colleges and universities in Arkansas. The university's overall retention rate is 79%, higher than the 72% average for similar Baccalaureate Colleges.

The university's strong student outcomes include a 99% job placement or graduate school acceptance rate within six months of graduation. The four-year graduation rate is also higher than that of public colleges and universities in Arkansas.

With a long history of providing a Christ-centred learning community, Ouachita Baptist University is ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report and has earned a strong academic reputation. The university offers a close-knit campus community, small class sizes, and a low student-to-faculty ratio, creating an environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and personally.

The university's highest-ever Spring enrollment was in 2024, with 1,722 students

Ouachita Baptist University has experienced a surge in student enrollment in recent years, with its highest-ever Spring enrollment recorded in 2024, totalling 1,722 students. This remarkable achievement reflects the university's sustained momentum in student recruitment and retention, marking a significant milestone in the institution's history.

The university has been committed to fostering a love of God and a passion for learning for over 135 years. As a leading liberal arts university, Ouachita Baptist University has established an impressive academic reputation, coupled with a close-knit campus community that nurtures the holistic development of its students. This combination has proven to be a powerful draw for prospective students, leading to a notable increase in enrollment.

The total enrollment surge of 20% since 2016 stands in stark contrast to the declining enrollment trends observed in colleges and universities across the nation. The university's ability to attract students is a testament to the exceptional value offered by the Ouachita experience. This value proposition is further enhanced by the university's strong commitment to academic and Christian excellence, making it a highly desirable choice for those seeking a unique educational journey.

The university's Spring 2024 enrollment figures serve as a testament to its appeal. With 1,491 undergraduate residential students, Ouachita Baptist University has successfully maintained steady growth, even amidst challenges faced by higher education institutions. This growth is attributed to the university's expansion of its undergraduate degree programs, including sought-after fields such as nursing, engineering, and criminal justice.

In addition to its academic offerings, Ouachita Baptist University boasts an impressive array of extracurricular opportunities, including athletic teams and community service initiatives, that further enhance the student experience and contribute to its reputation as a well-rounded, student-centric institution.

The university's acceptance rate in 2022 was 72.3%

Ouachita Baptist University, a private liberal arts university, has seen a surge in student applications and enrolments in recent years. The university's Fall 2024 enrolment was its highest in 58 years, with a total headcount of 1,858 students. This reflects a 22% increase in total enrolment since 2016, driven by a rise in undergraduate enrolment and the expansion of its graduate programs.

Ouachita's popularity is evident in its high acceptance rate of 72.3% in 2022. This rate is calculated from the number of applicants accepted for enrolment out of the total number of applications received. In 2022, the university received 2,063 applications and accepted 1,492 students for enrolment. This acceptance rate is slightly lower than the previous year's rate of 73.8%.

The university's strong student outcomes and academic reputation likely contribute to its high acceptance rate. Ouachita boasts a 99% job placement rate within six months of graduation, and its graduates consistently excel in their future endeavours. The university is also committed to providing a transformative educational experience, ensuring students thrive academically, spiritually, and personally.

Ouachita Baptist University offers a close-knit campus community, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 or 13:1, allowing students to form meaningful connections with their professors. The university's Christ-centered mission and values further enhance its appeal, attracting students seeking a unique educational experience that combines academic excellence and spiritual growth.

The university's high acceptance rate in 2022 indicates that Ouachita Baptist University is a desirable choice for many applicants, and the institution continues to be a sought-after destination for those seeking a well-rounded and personalised educational journey.

The median undergraduate tuition fee is $30,500

Ouachita Baptist University, a private liberal arts university, is a Christ-centred learning community in its 138th/139th year. The university has seen its highest ever enrolments in recent years, with a total of 1,858 students enrolled in Fall 2024, the highest in 58 years. The total enrolment has increased by 22% since 2016, with a 14% increase in undergraduate enrolment.

Tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year are charged at $725 per credit hour for under 10 hours. For 10-18 hours, the full-time tuition fee is $30,500. Additional fees include the General Fee and the Technology Fee, as well as potential course fees for laboratory costs, private music lessons, and other course-related charges. The total federal cost of attendance budget for 2025-26 is $52,222, including allowances for books, transportation, and personal expenses.

Online courses at Ouachita Baptist University are available at a rate of $350 per credit hour for undergraduate tuition. Other expenses include a course change fee of $15, a late registration fee of $20 per day, a returned check or stop payment fee of $35, a payment plan handling charge of $20, and paper statements at $5.

The university has a 99% placement rate for graduates within six months of graduation

Ouachita Baptist University has a 99% placement rate for graduates within six months of graduation. This means that 99% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within half a year of completing their studies. This statistic is a testament to the university's commitment to ensuring its students are prepared for their future careers or further academic pursuits.

The university's placement rate is significantly higher than the national average. For context, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reported a national average placement rate of 86% in 2020. Ouachita's rate of 99% surpasses this figure by a considerable margin, reflecting the effectiveness of the university's career services and the quality of its academic programmes.

The university's placement rate is also a strong indicator of the value of a Ouachita education. Prospective students can be assured that a degree from Ouachita Baptist University enhances their employability and competitiveness in the job market. This is evidenced by the success of Ouachita's graduates, who have consistently demonstrated their adaptability and strong performance, as recognised by the university's director of career and calling, Rachel Roberts.

The high placement rate can be attributed to several factors, including the university's rigorous academics, its Christ-centered learning community, and the dedication of its faculty and staff. The university's commitment to academic and Christian excellence provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for their future endeavours. The strong sense of community and belonging that Ouachita fosters contributes to the success of its graduates as they transition into the workforce or pursue further education.

In addition to its impressive placement rate, Ouachita Baptist University also boasts high retention and graduation rates. The university's retention rate is 22% higher than the average for 4-year colleges and universities in Arkansas. This indicates that students are satisfied with their experience at Ouachita and choose to continue their studies there. Furthermore, the university's 4-year graduation rate exceeds that of public colleges and universities in the state, demonstrating that Ouachita students are successfully completing their degrees in a timely manner.

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