OBU vs. Rockhurst

Comparable Facts

Compare Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR with Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rockhurst University is larger than OBU based on total student enrollment (3,577 students vs. 1,858 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ouachita Baptist University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Rockhurst University is in Kansas City, MO (Large City setting).
• Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rockhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ouachita Baptist University 14:1; Rockhurst University 12:1.

OBU vs. Rockhurst Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OBU or Rockhurst? 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 Rockhurst ($24,532 vs. $25,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ouachita Baptist University are 18.5% lower than at Rockhurst University ($9,720 vs. $11,920).
• Rockhurst University is 30.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than OBU (about $10,466 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.3% higher at Rockhurst than at Ouachita Baptist University (about $10,466 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University as at Rockhurst University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockhurst University students is 51.4% larger than aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students ($34,562 vs. $22,830).

OBU vs. Rockhurst Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Ouachita Baptist University (1180) is the same as at Rockhurst (1180).
• Incoming OBU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Rockhurst).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Ouachita Baptist University 1070/1280; Rockhurst University 1116/1246.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Ouachita Baptist University 22/28; Rockhurst University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OBU - Test optional; Rockhurst - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rockhurst Jun 30, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman OBU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Rockhurst (3.62).
• Rockhurst has a higher acceptance rate (69.6%) than OBU (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at OBU vs. 19.2% at Rockhurst.

OBU vs. Rockhurst Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OBU and Rockhurst? 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.

• Rockhurst University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Ouachita Baptist University's (63%).
• Graduates from Rockhurst University earn a median of about $10,100 more per year than OBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $43,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockhurst University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than OBU graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Rockhurst graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OBU graduates ($211 vs. $232).
• More Rockhurst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OBU students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.