Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University has reported a total Fall 2024 enrollment of 1,858, an increase from last fall and the university’s highest total headcount in almost six decades.

Ouachita’s total enrollment has increased 22% since 2016, driven by a 14% increase in undergraduate enrollment as well as growth in the university’s six graduate programs – up 59% since Fall 2023. This year’s 1,593 undergraduate residential students represent 26 states and 22 countries.

The university continues to attract first-time freshmen who have excelled academically. There are 29 Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholars in this year’s class. The cohort achieved an average ACT score of 24.7; they earned a collective high school grade point average of 3.8, with 49% earning a 4.0.

Ouachita students go on to achieve strong outcomes, including a 4-year graduation rate higher than the most recent rates reported by Arkansas’ public colleges and universities and a 99% job or graduate school placement rate within six months of graduation.

"Ouachita gives students the opportunity to achieve these top academic outcomes in a Christ-centered learning community that’s highly personalized, which offers exceptional value in the Ouachita experience,” said Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita’s president. “Many parents tell us this is especially true when they count the hidden fees and real costs of attending a public university. They find Ouachita to be surprisingly affordable.”

Consistent growth and increased applications have resulted in the residential university nearing its undergraduate enrollment capacity, Sells added, encouraging students to apply early for Fall 2025 admission.

Total enrollment includes residential undergraduate, online undergraduate and graduate students, as well as high school students taking Ouachita courses for concurrent credit.

Ouachita Baptist University, a private liberal arts university, is in its 139^th year as a Christ-centered learning community and is ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about the university’s highly personal approach at www.obu.edu.

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