Financial Aid at Ouachita Baptist University?

I'm looking into Ouachita Baptist University and I'm curious about the tuition and financial aid available. Can anyone share their experiences or information on the financial aspect of attending this university?

Tuition at Ouachita Baptist University for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $16,890, not including room and board, which costs around $4,860. However, don't be too worried about the sticker price, as many students receive financial aid that significantly reduces the cost.

Ouachita Baptist offers various types of financial aid, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, federal and state aid, and work-study opportunities. Typically, 98% of students attending Ouachita Baptist receive some form of financial aid.

Scholarships at Ouachita Baptist are awarded based on various factors like academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and leadership. Some notable merit-based scholarships include:

1. Academic scholarships – based on your high school GPA and/or standardized test scores.

2. Fine Arts scholarships – awarded to students with talent in music, theater, or visual arts.

3. Church-related vocational scholarships – for students planning to go into ministry, missions, or religious education.

Moreover, Ouachita Baptist University participates in the federal and state financial aid programs like Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), TEACH Grants, and Federal Work-Study, as well as Arkansas state grants like the Governor's Scholars Program, Arkansas Challenge, and Arkansas Future Grant. To be considered for any of these programs, you'll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To ensure that you maximize your financial aid opportunities, here are some steps to follow:

1. Complete your FAFSA as early as possible, starting October 1st of the year before you plan to attend. The school code for Ouachita Baptist is 001102.

2. Apply for merit-based scholarships by submitting your admission application and meeting any additional scholarship requirements.

3. Consider external scholarships and grants by exploring resources like CollegeVine and local organizations.

4. Contact the financial aid office at Ouachita Baptist University with any specific questions or concerns.

Remember that each student's financial aid package will be different, and your financial aid award will depend on your individual circumstances. The best way to get an estimate of your potential financial aid package is to use the school's Net Price Calculator, which takes into account your family's financial situation, academic achievements, and other factors.