Affordability
Feeling sticker shock? We get it.
Choosing a college is a big decision that involves a lot of big numbers.
Ouachita probably won’t be the least expensive school your student will find in their
college search, but we may be more affordable than you realize.
There’s tremendous value in the Ouachita experience, and we work hard to keep it within
reach for families like yours.
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Percentage of Ouachita freshmen who receive merit-based scholarships
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Scholarships, grants, loans and work-study jobs awarded to Ouachita students every year
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Cumulative GPA required to maintain Ouachita institutional aid
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Additional tuition cost charged to students from out of state
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I had three students at Ouachita at the same time, and God made a way by putting people in our path who showed us what to do and how we could apply for private scholarships. Ouachita is transparent about the cost and what scholarships are available; they don’t have hidden fees.
Cathy (Richardson) Worley '92
Mother of four Ouachita students
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It's true there are moments of ‘sticker-shock’ for Ouachita. But when you look at the community your student is a part of, the quality of the faculty and the higher-than-average graduation rates and post-graduation accomplishments, the value over a lifetime is worth the effort.
Doug Hibbard '99
Father of three Ouachita students
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As a teacher, I’ve had many conversations with students and parents about college over the years. I don't think most people realize the scholarships available at private universities are often better than the ones they would receive at a public university, closing the gap a little more than they may expect.
Mother of three Ouachita students
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Meet the Faddis Family
When Lance and Jennifer Faddis learned their daughter had changed her mind about attending a state university and decided to enroll at Ouachita instead, they were thrilled.
As Ouachita alums, they already knew there’s much greater value for their daughter in the Ouachita experience. But when they discovered their out-of-pocket cost, they were in for a pleasant surprise.
Listen to Jennifer tell their story...
Graduation is the Goal
When you send your student to college, your goal is to see them with a diploma in hand – hopefully in four years. As you compare schools, add 4-year graduation rates to the equation. Ouachita has one of the highest in Arkansas, and our graduates often earn a double major that expands their career options and earning potential. From professors and faculty advisors to the university registrar, we’re committed to helping your student stay on track to graduate on time.
Compare Real Costs
Parents often tell us that when they calculate total costs and financial aid, out-of-pocket expenses at Ouachita are very close to what they’d pay at a state university. For students who rent an off-campus apartment all year, participate in Greek life, fight for restricted parking spaces, pay to request tickets for games or take 15+ academic hours a semester, larger public colleges can cost more than Ouachita – a residential campus with a full social calendar and minimal student fees.
Resources Add Up
When schools offer “free tuition,” there are usually some big asterisks attached. These offers include federal and state financial aid you can take to any school you attend — including Ouachita. Pell Grants can total as much as $7,395 annually; state programs like Arkansas’ Academic Challenge Scholarship can add even more. Add Ouachita scholarships to any federal or state aid and private scholarships you bring; they stack with work-study and scholarships for athletics, marching band and more.
As you and your student navigate the world of financial aid, you’ll probably encounter a lot of new terms and information. Although these definitions will get you started, this glossary isn’t comprehensive.
Our team of admissions counselors is always available to answer your questions and help through every phase of the financial aid process. You’ll never have to figure it out by yourself. That’s part of the value you receive in the Ouachita experience.
Actual Annual Cost – direct cost paid to a college; includes tuition, fees, housing and meals. At Ouachita, tuition remains the same no matter how many hours a full-time student takes per semester up to 18.
Cost of Attendance (COA) – an estimate of everything you might have to spend for your student to attend college; includes actual annual costs plus your student’s personal expenses for things like books, gas and clothes. Schools are required to estimate these amounts, but they may not reflect what you pay because personal costs are based on individual budgeting.
FAFSA – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. We encourage everyone to apply, because it connects eligible students to resources including grants, loans and work-study options with no obligation. Arkansas students, you have to submit a FAFSA in order to receive the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.
It will be helpful to know these terms when you fill out your FAFSA:
Pell Grants: a type of federal aid that can provide up to $7,395 per year for eligible students to any school they attend. This money does not have to be repaid.
Student Aid Index (SAI): a formula-based number that helps determine how much financial aid a student might need. Learn how the SAI is calculated.
Work-Study: part-time employment for students who show a financial need through the FAFSA.
Financial Aid – any money given or loaned to students to help fund their college education. The three main categories of financial aid are:
Institutional Scholarships: money offered to a student from a university. These are often offered based on high school GPA or ACT/SAT scores or given for athletics, but also include scholarships for music, church-matching gifts and more. These do not have to be repaid. At Ouachita, 100% of freshmen receive a scholarship!
Federal and State Aid: money given or loaned by the federal or state government for college education, usually dependent on filling out the FAFSA. Federal money can be used at any school; states may require that money awarded be spent at colleges or universities within the state.
Private Scholarships: money awarded by a company or organization; it can be used at any university unless specified by the scholarship provider. These scholarships usually require a separate application. Your high school counselor may be able to guide you to opportunities local to you!
Net Price – the final amount paid after financial aid is subtracted from cost of attendance.
Let's Talk
At Ouachita, we'll walk you through every step of the financial aid journey. Call (870) 245-5110 to talk with your admissions counselor about your student's financial aid options.
Our Costs are Clear
A crucial part of demonstrating our value is being transparent about our cost. You’ll never have to guess about Ouachita’s bottom line or worry about big hidden fees.
See For Yourself
Choosing a college? Campus visits make all the difference. Connect with your admissions counselor to plan a campus tour and see for yourself what Ouachita has to offer!
Apply Now
Your financial aid process starts with an application for admission to Ouachita. It’s easy, fast and free – and doesn’t require an essay!
