Oklahoma Baptist University

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Quick Stats
500 W. University

Shawnee, OK 74804

[map]
Phone: (405) 275-2850
2011-2012 Tuition
$19,756
tuition and fees
Students
1,717
enrolled
41%
male /
59%
female
Admissions
Aug. 1
application deadline
66.8%
accepted

More Information

_

U.S. News Rankings

Ranking score and category
U.S. News rank Category Name
#3 Regional Colleges (West)

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Summary

Oklahoma Baptist University is a private institution that was founded in 1910. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,717, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 200 acres. It utilizes a 4-1-4-based academic calendar. Oklahoma Baptist University's ranking in the 2012 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Colleges (West), 3. Its tuition and fees are $19,756 (2011-12).

Oklahoma Baptist University is a small Christian university located in Shawnee, Okla., about 30 minutes from Oklahoma City. With more than 110 organizations on campus, students have a number of ways to get involved. Popular groups include the Campus Activities Board, which plans entertainment events throughout the year; the University Chorale; and the College Players, who promote theatre and drama on campus. Many students also participate in intramural sports like sand volleyball, bowling, or doubles tennis. Oklahoma Baptist’s varsity sports teams, named the Bison, compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Ministry activities are also central to student life, including worship services, local and global outreach programs, and a variety of community and bible study groups. All unmarried students under 21 are required to live on campus in one of the single-sex residence halls or apartment complexes.

Oklahoma Baptist grants bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is comprised of five schools and colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing, College of Fine Arts, School of Business, and School of Christian Service. Undergraduates can choose from more than 80 courses of study ranging from church music to accounting. Graduate offerings include Master of business administration and Master of Science in nursing programs. Students can also take advantage of international study programs in Brazil, China, Japan, Mexico, Russia, and in numerous European countries.

School mission (as provided by the school):

An innovative core curriculum, developed by faculty collaboration, offers students strong liberal arts and professional studies in a traditional undergraduate setting. OBU merges faith and learning to address a Christian world view, challenging graduates to informed service and leadership. The bond between faculty and students, and the opportunity to study in a residential campus community creates a positive environment for learning. Graduates have excelled in a wide array of fields, equipped with ability to continue learning throughout their careers. OBU's commitment to outstanding scholarship in a Christian community continues to yield success. The university challenges students to use their knowledge through global engagement, as a result, OBU is the leader among Baptist colleges in the number of students working in Southern Baptist international missions. OBU also has strong campus organizations and a vibrant intramural sports program, which is complimented by 21 nationally competitive varsity sports teams.

Through a four-fold mission statement and five core values, the University seeks to maintain a 101-year-old tradition as a Christian liberal arts college. The mission statement declares that "As a Christian liberal arts university, OBU transforms lives by equipping students to pursue academic excellence, integrate faith with all areas of knowledge, engage a diverse world, and live worthy of the high calling of God in Christ." The core values build on the mission, highlighting that OBU is Christ Centered, Excellence Driven, Learning Focused, Missional Purposed, and Community Directed.

General Information

School type private, coed college
Year founded 1910
Religious affiliation Southern Baptist Convention
Academic calendar 4-1-4
Setting urban
2010 Endowment $86,619,801

Applying

When applying to Oklahoma Baptist University, it's important to note the application deadline is August 1. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due August 1. It is more selective, with an acceptance rate of 66.8 percent.

For more information about the tests, essays, interviews, and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.

Selectivity more selective
Fall 2010 acceptance rate 67%
Application deadline August 1
SAT/ACT scores must be received by August 1

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Academic Life

The student-faculty ratio at Oklahoma Baptist University is 13:1, and the school has 65.1 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at Oklahoma Baptist University include: Bible/Biblical Studies; English Language and Literature, General; Psychology, Other; and Public Relations/Image Management. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 74.2 percent.

Class sizes
Class sizes
Student-faculty ratio 13:1
4-year graduation rate 41% - Medium
Five most popular majors for 2010 graduates
Bible/Biblical Studies 6%
English Language and Literature, General 5%
Psychology, Other 4%
Public Relations/Image Management 4%

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Student Life

Oklahoma Baptist University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,717, with a gender distribution of 40.9 percent male students and 59.1 percent female students. 67.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 33.0 percent of students live off campus. Oklahoma Baptist University is part of the NAIA athletic conference.

Total enrollment 1,777
Student gender distribution
Student gender distribution
Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
Collegiate athletic association NAIA

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Campus Info & Services

Oklahoma Baptist University offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, placement service, health service, and health insurance. Oklahoma Baptist University also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, lighted pathways/sidewalks, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Of the students at Oklahoma Baptist University, 88 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is not permitted for students of legal age at Oklahoma Baptist University.

Students who have cars on campus 88% - High
Health insurance offered Yes
Students required to own/lease a computer No

More About Campus Info & Services

Paying for School

At Oklahoma Baptist University, 70.7 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $6,489.

Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs.

Tuition and fees $19,756 (2011-12)
Room and board $6,000 (2011-12) - Low
Financial aid statistics
Financial aid statistics

More About Paying for School

* Overview details based on 2010 data

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