University Overview

Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) was established in 1886 and currently offers over 60 undergraduate programs of study in the liberal arts. 1,448 students representing 32 states and 50 foreign countries study at OBU. Small class sizes are the norm rather than the exception and Ouachita's student to faculty ratio is approximately 11 to 1. Learning at OBU takes place in a Christ centered community.

Ouachita's academic programs are organized into eight schools: Business, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, Christian Studies, Fine Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies. Within these schools, students will find many options for combining programs of study and tailoring an educational experience to fit a vast number of interests. OBU also offers Ouachita's American Semester for International Students (OASIS), a one-semester study abroad program for international students who do not desire to pursue a four-year degree in the US but would like to experience American culture and tradition in the university environment.

Facilities

OBU's extensive facilities for students include a comprehensive library, the Academic Enrichment Center and a number of computer labs, in addition to an array of athletic facilities.

OBU is a member of the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference and offers varsity-level athletic programs in football, basketball, golf, swimming & diving, tennis, soccer, volleyball, cross country, and baseball. Additionally, students may compete in a variety of recreational sports. The University's rural setting also allows for excellent outdoor recreational activities.

Ouachita believes in the benefits of living on campus and the majority of students live in residence. All residence halls at OBU are airconditioned, furnished and wired for LAN connections, phone and cable.

Location

The city of Ouachita is located in the heartland of America, Arkadelphia, Arkansas (65 miles SW of Little Rock) near scenic Lake DeGray State Park and Hot Springs National Park. OBU's campus is in a beautiful natural setting with many trees and hills, and is within 45 minutes of major cities for entertainment opportunities.

Admissions

Applicants with a low or no TOEFL score can be admitted through OBU's campus-based ESL program. In addition to a completed undergraduate admission form, international applicants must provide:

• $200 (includes application fee, housing deposit & SEVIS registration fee)
• $1,000 refundable tuition deposit
• 2 recent photos
• Completed health form
• Copy of their passport
• A copy of their certification of finances and original financial documents
• One of the following scores: ACT, SAT, or TOEFL (TOEFL can be taken upon arrival)
• Official transcripts

OBU has a rolling admission policy. However, students are strongly encouraged to apply by July 1 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission. Timely applicants are eligible to compete for international student scholarships.

International Student Support

OBU's International Programs Office is focused on strengthening international awareness, and assists international students with the transition to university life and living in the US. The International Programs Office provides international students with immigration and travel information, as well as coordinating new student orientation and other events throughout the year.

Highlights

• OBU offers a caring and academically challenging environment
• International students and third culture kids make up 7 % of the student body
• ESL classes are available for students with limited English skills
• Over 95% of OBU students receive financial aid
• Scholarships available for international students

University and Location

• City Population - 10,914
• Climate - 26°F to 94°F
• Campus Setting - rural
• Private vs Public - private
• On campus Housing Available - yes
• Calendar Year: Fall semester (Aug-Dec) Spring semester (Jan-May)

Student Profile

• Total Enrollment - 1,500
• # Faculty - 105 (full-time)
• Male/Female Student Ratio - 4:5
• # of International Students - 47

Annual Expenses (in US$)

• International Tuition $18,000/year
• Accommodation:
  Residence $5,530
  Private $6,830

Recognition

• North Central Association of Colleges and Universities
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
• National Association for Schools of Music
• AACSB International- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Admissions at a Glance

• Application Fee - $50
• Minimum English Language Requirements: TOEFL score required for placement
• International Student Application Deadlines: Rolling admissions- early application encouraged

Departments

Accounting, Economics, and Finance; Applied Music; Biblical Studies; Biology; Chemistry; Christian Ministry; Christian Missions; Christian Theology; Church Music; Education; English; Foreign Languages; History; Kinesiology and Leisure Studies; Management and Marketing; Mass Communications; Mathematics and Computer Sciences; Music Education; Music History and Literature; Music Theory/ Composition; Philosophy; Physics; Political Science; Psychology; Speech Communication; Sociology; Theatre Arts; Visual Arts

Contact

International Admissions
Daniel R. Grant Center for International Programs
410 Ouachita Street, Box 3777
Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71998 USA

phone: 1-870-245-5197
fax: 1-870-245-5312
email (Int'l): c07@obu.edu
internet: www.obu.edu