OBU vs. Alvernia University

Comparable Facts

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

Alvernia University is larger than OBU based on total student enrollment (2,796 students vs. 1,858 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Alvernia University is in Reading, PA (Small City setting).
• Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ouachita Baptist University 14:1; Alvernia University 14:1.

OBU vs. Alvernia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OBU or Alvernia University? 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 Alvernia University ($24,532 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ouachita Baptist University are 37.1% lower than at Alvernia University ($9,720 vs. $15,460).
• Alvernia University is 30.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than OBU (about $10,500 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.4% higher at Alvernia University than at Ouachita Baptist University (about $10,500 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University as at Alvernia University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 27.2% larger than aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students ($29,034 vs. $22,830).

OBU vs. Alvernia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OBU or Alvernia University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Alvernia University and OBU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 10 points higher than at OBU (1180).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Ouachita Baptist University 1070/1280; Alvernia University 1093/1286.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Ouachita Baptist University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OBU - Test optional; Alvernia University - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman OBU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• OBU has a higher acceptance rate (67.5%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at OBU vs. 13.3% at Alvernia University.

OBU vs. Alvernia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OBU and Alvernia University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Ouachita Baptist University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Alvernia University's (53%).
• Graduates from Alvernia University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than OBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 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 Alvernia University graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, OBU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More OBU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 61%)

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.