OBU vs. Carroll College

Comparable Facts

Compare Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR with Carroll College in Helena, MT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ouachita Baptist University is larger than Carroll College based on total student enrollment (1,858 students vs. 1,156 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Carroll College is in Helena, MT (Remote Town setting).
• Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carroll College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ouachita Baptist University 14:1; Carroll College 12:1.

OBU vs. Carroll College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OBU or Carroll College? 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 Carroll College ($24,532 vs. $25,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ouachita Baptist University are 15.8% lower than at Carroll College ($9,720 vs. $11,548).
• Carroll College is 20.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than OBU (about $6,984 more per year; $41,484.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.2% higher at Carroll College than at Ouachita Baptist University (about $6,984 more per year; $41,484.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University as at Carroll College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carroll College students is 31.7% larger than aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students ($30,058 vs. $22,830).

OBU vs. Carroll College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ouachita Baptist University (1180) is the same as at Carroll College (1180).
• Incoming OBU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Carroll College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 1070/1280; Carroll College 1050/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ouachita Baptist University 22/28; Carroll College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OBU - Test optional; Carroll College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carroll College Feb 28, 2027.
• Accepted freshman OBU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Carroll College (3.64).
• Carroll College has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than OBU (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at OBU vs. 21.6% at Carroll College.

OBU vs. Carroll College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OBU and Carroll College? 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).

• Ouachita Baptist University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Carroll College's (59%).
• Graduates from Carroll College earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than OBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 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 Carroll College graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, OBU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carroll College graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Carroll College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OBU students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.