Student Financial Services

Over 98% of Ouachita students defray a portion of their educational expenses through some form of financial assistance. Our students receive over $42 million in scholarships, grants, loans and work-study each academic year. We have provided information in this section to help families identify possible aid sources which, when combined with the family’s own contribution, can make higher education at Ouachita possible.

Ouachita Scholarships are for undergraduate students, only.

How to get financial aid at Ouachita:

1. Apply for admission to Ouachita Baptist University.

• Online Application for Admission
• The OBU Admission Application also serves as the application for merit scholarships at the university.

2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The FAFSA is required for all federal sources of aid, and for most state sources of aid. It is also used to determine eligibility for all need-based forms of student financial aid. The 2025-26 FAFSA will become available to complete in December 2024 at studentaid.gov and will be requesting 2023 federal income tax information. Complete your FAFSA by May 1, 2025, to guarantee your financial aid will be available by the start of the fall semester.

• FAFSA Website
• FAFSA Website – SPANISH
• Federal Aid Programs

3. Search all aid sources prior to enrolling.

Although Ouachita provides a comprehensive financial aid program, the vast majority of our students rely on aid awarded from sources outside of Ouachita. All families are encouraged to research and apply for private scholarships and grant funding. Searching for private scholarships requires patience and persistence along with getting an early start. Information on private sources for educational funding are listed on the links below.

• Ouachita Aid
• State Aid (Arkansas residents only)
• Private Aid
• Military & VA Educational Benefits

Visit www.niche.com to see the rankings of Ouachita in Arkansas and nationally.