PRESS RELEASE

By Felley Lawson 

September 12, 2022 

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Enrollment continues to grow at Ouachita Baptist University, where a Fall 2022 headcount of 1,784 is the university’s highest in 56 years. 

Total enrollment, up 17.6% since 2016, includes a cohort of 445 first-time freshmen that has distinguished itself academically. Half earned a high school grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 or higher, 23 graduated first in their high school class and 36 are Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholars. 

“Ouachita’s enrollment has increased in the past six years, while enrollment in all colleges and universities in the state combined has decreased during that period,” said Ben Sells, Ouachita president. “We’re grateful that our highly-personalized approach to higher education is attracting outstanding and committed students who recognize Ouachita as a place of opportunity for leadership, hands-on experience, interdisciplinary study and mentorship with faculty.” 

Total university enrollment includes residential, online and graduate students, as well as high school students taking Ouachita courses for concurrent credit. 

“Ouachita seeks to provide the best educational environment in a Christ-centered learning community,” Sells said. “We want it to be valuable and life-changing, as well as an exceptional financial value. We’re committed to student success and to providing the resources and personal attention our students need to achieve the goal of earning a college degree. Their success is our success.” 

Ouachita Baptist University, a private liberal arts university in Arkadelphia, Ark., is entering its 137th year as a Christ-centered learning community and is ranked among the best national liberal arts universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report and among the top 20 Christian colleges in the nation by Niche.com. Learn more about the university’s highly personal approach, reflected in a student/faculty ratio of 13:1, at www.obu.edu.