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Graduate & Professional Studies Financial Aid and Cost Information

Pursuing graduate studies is a significant investment in your future, and we understand financing your education is a priority. From federal loans and institutional aid to external scholarships and employer assistance programs, the financial aid team at Ouachita will guide you through the process and help you access resources that can best fit your needs.

Explore detailed information about Ouachita Baptist University’s cost and fees, as well as financial aid opportunities available to our graduate students.

Financial Aid Options

Learn how to secure federal and private aid as you work to fund your degree or certificate program. Please email Gina Tolbert if you have questions about financial aid for any of our graduate programs.

Federal Aid

To apply for federal financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). As a graduate student, you’re considered an independent student, which means you don’t need to provide parental information.

Note: Students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program to be eligible for federal financial aid at Ouachita. Students who are non-degree seeking or enrolled in a certificate program are not eligible for federal aid at Ouachita but can pursue private aid options.

Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan

Graduate students are eligible to borrow up to $20,500 per academic year through the Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan program. Learn more about subsidized and unsubsidized student loans.

Graduate PLUS Loan

If you have exhausted your Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan eligibility and need additional funding, you may apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan. This loan can cover up to your total cost of attendance minus any other financial aid already received. You must undergo a credit check when applying for the Graduate PLUS Loan. Review Graduate PLUS Loan information.

TEACH Grant

The TEACH Grant program provides financial assistance to both undergraduate and graduate students who commit to teaching full time for at least four years in a high-need field at a low-income elementary school, secondary school or educational service agency. To apply, please submit the appropriate TEACH Grant request form:

Learn more about the TEACH Grant.

Teacher Opportunity Program

Arkansas teachers and administrators can receive tuition reimbursement for up to six college credit hours each academic year through the Teacher Opportunity Program. Submit your application from October 1- June 1 for the following academic year. Explore the Teacher Opportunity Program.

Private Aid

In addition to federal aid options, private sources of funding can supplement your graduate expenses. Explore the private scholarships and alternative loan opportunities that are available.

Scholarships

We strive to offer our graduate programs at an affordable hourly rate, providing the best value possible. As a result, our institutional scholarship offerings are limited. However, there are several private scholarships available for you and other graduate students. Discover private scholarships sources for Ouachita students.

Loans

While private alternative loans offer more flexibility than federal loans, they may lack some of the repayment benefits. During the process, lenders require a credit check and base the interest rate on your credit score. In some cases, a cosigner may be necessary. Interest rates can range from 3% to 12% and could potentially be lower than the interest rate on a federal loan. View private loan information.

Graduate Program Costs

Review the tuition, fees and estimated cost for each of our graduate programs to inform your financial planning and investment in an advanced degree.

Note: Tuition and fees are determined by the Board of Trustees and updated annually.

2024-2025 Online ABA Program Tuition and Fees

  • Tuition per graduate credit hour: $750
  • Estimated total tuition and fees for full 36-hour program: $27,775

 

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Year 1 Students

2025-26 ABA Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2025
7 hours
Spring 2026
7 hours
Summer 2026
7 hours
1. Tuition ($750 per hour) $5,250 $5,250 $5,250
2. Fees $135 $135 $135
3. Books & Supplies $550 $550 $550
4. Food & Housing $4,909 $4,909 $3,272
5. Transportation $1,000 $1,000 $667
6. Personal Expenses $3,182 $3,182 $2,121
7. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $42,047
 
8. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $5,385 $5,385 $5,385


Year 2 Students

2024-25 ABA Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2025
8 hours
Spring 2026
7 hours
1. Tuition ($750 per hour) $6,000 $5,250
2. Fees $135 $235
3. Books & Supplies $550 $550
4. Food & Housing $4,909 $4,909
5. Transportation $1,000 $1,000
6. Personal Expenses $3,182 $3,182
7. Estimated Annual Cost of Attendance $30,902
 
8. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $6,135 $5,485
 
1. Tuition: $750 PER CREDIT HOUR – ABA PROGRAM
2. Fees: $135 Technology Fee per semester 25-26 year, and a $100 Graduation Fee in the final semester
3. Books & Supplies: Cost listed is an estimate
4. Food & Housing: Ouachita uses the College Board figures from regional surveys.     Off campus monthly budget is $1,060
5. Transportation: covers use of a car or public transportation. Not intended for purchase of car. 
6. Personal Expenses: includes personal items, haircuts, clothing, etc. Also includes cap and gown, background checks, health related expenses (shots and exams), insurance and professional memberships

Year 1 Students

2024-25 ABA Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2024
7 hours
Spring 2025
7 hours
Summer 2025
7 hours
1. Tuition ($750 per hour) $5,250 $5,250 $5,250
2. Fees $130 $130 $130
3. Food & Housing $4,770 $4,770 $3,180
4. Books & Supplies $550 $550 $550
5. Personal Expenses $3,096 $3,096 $2,064
6. Transportation $972 $972 $648
7. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $41,358
 
8. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $5,380 $5,380 $5,380


Year 2 Students

2024-25 ABA Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2024*
8 hours
Spring 2025*
7 hours
1. Tuition ($750 per hour) $6,000 $5,250
2. Fees $130 $230
3. Food & Housing $4,770 $4,770
4. Books & Supplies $550 $550
5. Personal Expenses $3,096 $3,096
6. Transportation $972 $972
7. Estimated Annual Cost of Attendance $30,386
 
8. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $6,130 $5,480
 
1. Tuition – $750 PER CREDIT HOUR
2. Fees – Technology Fee: $130 per semester in 2024-25. Graduation Fee: $100 in final semester.
3. Food & Housing – Ouachita uses the College Board figures from regional surveys. Off campus monthly budget is $1,060.
4. Books & Supplies – Cost listed is an estimate
5. Personal Expenses – Includes personal items, haircuts, clothing, etc. Also includes cap and gown, background checks, health related expenses (shots and exams), insurance and professional memberships.
6. Transportation – covers use of a car or public transportation. Not intended for purchase of car.
 
*The Master of Science and Master of Arts programs will offer the same amount of hours in Year 1. However, in Year 2 of the ABA program, the Master of Science will offer 8 hours in the fall and 7 hours in the spring, while the Master of Arts will offer the opposite – 7 hours in the fall and 8 hours in the spring. The overall cost will be the same.

2024-2025 Online Curriculum and Instruction Program Tuition and Fees

  • Tuition per graduate credit hour: $500
  • Estimated total tuition and fees for full 30-hour program: $15,390*

*based on full-time attendance

 

Estimated Cost of Attendance

2025-26 Curriculum & Instruction Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2025
12 hours
Spring 2026
12 hours
Summer 2026
6 hours
1. Tuition ($500 per hour) $6,000 $6,000 $3,000
2. Fees $135 $135 $235
3. Books & Supplies $550 $550 $275
4. Food & Housing $4,909 $4,909 $2,182
5. Transportation $1,000 $1,000 $444
6. Personal Expenses $3,182 $3,182 $1,414
 
7. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $39,102
8. Direct Cost to OBU (tuition and fees only) $6,135 $6,135 $3,235
       
1. Tuition: $500 PER CREDIT HOUR – Masters of Education Program. Based on full time. Cost will vary based on number of hours the student takes
2. Fees: $135 Technology Fee per semester for 25-26, $100 Graduation fee in final semester
3. Books & Supplies: best estimate
4. Food & Housing: Ouachita uses the College Board figures from regional surveys. Off campus monthly budget is 1,091 per month
5. Transportation: intended to cover use of a car or public transportation. Not intended for purchase of car.
6. Personal Expenses: Clothing, personal items, haircuts, entertainment, etc.

2024-25 Curriculum & Instruction Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2024
12 hours
Spring 2025
12 hours
Summer 2025
6 hours
1. Tuition ($500 per hour) $6,000 $6,000 $3,000
2. Fees $130 $130 $230
3. Food & Housing $4,770 $4,770 $2,120
4. Books & Supplies $550 $550 $275
5. Personal Expenses $3,096 $3,096 $1,376
6. Transportation $972 $972 $432
 
7. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $38,469
8. Direct Cost to OBU (tuition and fees only) $6,130 $6,130 $3,230
       
1. Tuition – $500 PER CREDIT HOUR. Cost will vary based on the number of hours student is enrolled.
2. Fees – $130 Technology Fee per semester and a $100 graduation fee in the final semester.
3. Food & Housing – Ouachita uses the College Board figures from regional surveys. Off campus monthly budget is $1,060.
4. Books & Supplies – Costs listed is an estimate.
5. Personal Expenses – Includes personal items, haircuts, etc. Also includes cap and gown.
6. Transportation – Covers the use of a car or public transportation.

2024-2025 Online Nutrition & Dietetic Internship Tuition and Fees

  • Tuition per graduate credit hour: $750
  • Estimated total tuition and fees for full 36-hour program: $27,685


Find additional scholarships through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Year 1 Students

2024-25 MSDI Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2024
9 hours
online & on campus
Spring 2025
9 hours
online & on campus
Summer 2025
9 hours
online
1. Tuition ($750 per hr) $6,750 $6,750 $6,750
2. Fees $205 $170 $130
3. Food & Housing $4,770 $4,770 $3,180
4. Books & Supplies $858 $550 $500
5. Personal Expenses $3,096 $3,096 $2,064
6. Transportation $972 $972 $648
 
7. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $46,231
8. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $6,955 $6,920 $6,880


Year 2 Students

2024-25 MSDI Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2024
9 hours
online & on campus
1. Tuition ($750 per hr) $6,750
2. Fees $230
3. Food & Housing $4,770
4. Books & Supplies $565
5. Personal Expenses $3,096
6. Transportation $972
 
7. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $16,383
8. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $6,980
   
1. Tuition: $750 PER CREDIT HOUR. Each semester will consist of 9 credit hours.
2. Fees: Technology Fee: $130 per semester
Parking Fee: $40 in Fall and Spring of Year 1
Lab Fee: $35 in Fall of Year 1
Graduation Fee: $100 in Fall of Year 2
3. Food & Housing: Ouachita uses the College Board figures from regional surveys. Off-campus budget is $1,060 per month.
4. Books & Supplies: $500 per semester. In Fall of Year 1: added the cost of a lab coat, 2 sets of scrubs, typhon group student tracking system, student membership to "A.N.D." In SPRING: added conference fee. Final semester includes $65 cap and gown cost.
5. Personal Expenses: Background check, drug screen, physical exam, vaccinations / immunizations, Health insurance, Liability insurance, RD exam cost, clothing, personal items, haircuts, entertainment, etc.
6. Transportation: Covers use of a car or public transportation. Not intended for purchase of car. 

2024-2025 Online MBA Program Tuition and Fees

  • Tuition per graduate credit hour: $629
  • Estimated total tuition and fees for full 30-hour program: $19,310

 

Estimated Cost of Attendance

2025-26 MBA Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2025
12 hours
Spring 2026
12 hours
Summer 2026
6 hours
1. Tuition ($629 per hr) $7,548 $7,548 $3,774
2. Fees $135 $135 $235
3. Books & Supplies $550 $550 $300
4. Food & Housing $4,909 $4,909 $2,182
5. Transportation $1,000 $1,000 $444
6. Personal Expenses $3,182 $3,182 $1,414
 
7. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $42,997
8. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $7,683 $7,683 $4,009
       
1. Tuition: $629 PER CREDIT HOUR.
2. Fees: Technology Fee: $135 per semester
Graduation Fee: $100 in final semester
3. Books & Supplies: Best estimate.
4. Food & Housing: Ouachita uses the College Board figures from regional surveys. Off-campus budget is $1,091 per month.
5. Transportation: Covers use of a car or public transportation. Not intended for purchase of car.
6. Personal Expenses: Clothing, personal items, haircuts, entertainment, etc.

2024-25 MBA Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2024
12 hours
Spring 2025
12 hours
Summer 2025
6 hours
1. Tuition ($629 per hr) $7,548 $7,548 $3,774
2. Fees $130 $130 $180
3. Food & Housing $4,770 $4,770 $2,120
4. Books & Supplies $550 $550 $300
5. Personal Expenses $3,096 $3,096 $1,376
6. Transportation $972 $972 $432
 
7. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $42,314
8. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $7,678 $7,678 $3,954
       
1. Tuition: $629 PER CREDIT HOUR.
2. Fees: Technology Fee: $130 per semester
Graduation Fee: $50 in the final semester
3. Food & Housing: Ouachita uses the College Board figures from regional surveys. Off-campus budget is $1,060 per month.
4. Books & Supplies: Best estimate.
5. Personal Expenses: Clothing, personal items, haircuts, entertainment, etc.
6. Transportation: Covers use of a car or public transportation. Not intended for purchase of car.

2024-2025 Online Counseling Program Tuition and Fees

  • Tuition per graduate credit hour: $550
  • Estimated total tuition and fees for full 63-hour program: $35,910

 

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Year 1 Students

2025-26 MA in Counseling Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2025
9 hours
Spring 2026
9 hours
Summer 2026 (8 Weeks)
6 hours
1. Tuition $4,950 $4,950 $3,300
2. Fees $210 $210 $135
3. Books & Supplies $250 $250 $100
4. Food & Housing $4,909 $4,909 $2,182
5. Transportation $1,000 $1,000 $444
6. Personal Expenses $3,182 $3,182 $1,414
 
7. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $36,577
8. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $5,160 $5,160 $3,435


Year 2 Students

2025-26 MA in Counseling Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall
9 hours
Spring
11 hours
May/Summer (11 Weeks)
8 hours
1. Tuition $4,950 $6,050 $4,400
2. Fees $285 $135 $135
3. Books & Supplies $250 $250 $100
4. Food & Housing $4,909 $4,909 $3,272
5. Transportation $1,000 $1,000 $667
6. Personal Expenses $3,182 $3,182 $2,121
7. Liability Insurance $50    
8. Telehealth Certification   $400  
 
9. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $41,247
10. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $5,235 $6,185 $4,535


Year 3 Students

2025-26 MA in Counseling Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall
11 hours
1. Tuition $6,050
2. Fees $235
3. Books & Supplies $250
4. Food & Housing $4,909
5. Transportation $1,000
6. Personal Expenses $3,182
7. Liability Insurance $50
8. Practice National Counselor Exam $75
 
9. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $15,751
10. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $6,285
   
1. Tuition: $550 PER CREDIT HOUR.
2. Fees: $135 Technology Fee per semester, $75 fee for each on-campus intensive and a $100 Graduation Fee in the final semester.
3. Books & Supplies: Best estimate.
4. Food & Housing: Ouachita uses the College Board figures from regional surveys.     Off campus monthly budget is  $1,091 per month
5. Transportation: Covers use of a car or public transportation. Not intended for purchase of car.
6. Personal Expenses: Includes expenses for clothing, personal items, haircuts, etc. Also includes cap and gown costs, insurance, health related expenses and professional memberships. 

Year 1 Students

2024-25 MA in Counseling Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2024
9 hours
Spring 2025
9 hours
Summer 2025 (8 Weeks)
6 hours
1. Tuition ($550 per hr) $4,950 $4,950 $3,300
2. Fees $205 $205 $130
3. Food & Housing $4,770 $4,770 $2,120
4. Books & Supplies $250 $250 $100
5. Personal Expenses $3,096 $3,096 $1,376
6. Transportation $972 $972 $432
 
7. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $35,944
8. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $5,155 $5,155 $3,430


Year 2 Students

2024-25 MA in Counseling Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall
9 hours
Spring
11 hours
Summer (11 Weeks)
8 hours
1. Tuition ($550 per hr) $4,950 $6,050 $4,400
2. Fees $280 $130 $130
3. Food & Housing $4,770 $4,770 $3,180
4. Books & Supplies $250 $250 $100
5. Personal Expenses $3,096 $3,096 $2,064
6. Transportation $972 $972 $648
7. Liability Insurance $50    
8. Telehealth Certification   $400  
 
9. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $40,558
10. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $5,230 $6,180 $4,530


Year 3 Students

2024-25 MA in Counseling Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall
11 hours
1. Tuition ($550 per hr) $6,050
2. Fees $230
3. Food & Housing $4,770
4. Books & Supplies $250
5. Personal Expenses $3,096
6. Transportation $972
7. Liability Insurance $50
8. Practice National Counselor Exam $75
 
9. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $15,493
10. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $6,280
   
1. Tuition: $550 PER CREDIT HOUR.
2. Fees: $130 Technology Fee per semester, $75 fee for each on-campus intensive and a $100 Graduation Fee in the final semester.
3. Food & Housing: Ouachita uses the College Board figures from regional surveys.     Off campus monthly budget is  $1,060 per month
4. Books & Supplies: Best estimate.
5. Personal Expenses: Includes expenses for clothing, personal items, haircuts, etc. Also includes cap and gown costs, insurance, health related expenses and professional memberships. 
6. Transportation: Covers use of a car or public transportation. Not intended for purchase of car.

2024-2025 Online Exercise Science Program Tuition and Fees

  • Tuition per graduate credit hour: $500
  • Estimated total tuition and fees for full 36-hour program: $18,440

 

Estimated Cost of Attendance

2025-26 MS in Exercise Science Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2025
12 hours
Spring 2026
12 hours
Summer 2026
12 hours
1. Tuition ($500 per hour) $6,000 $6,000 $6,000
2. Fees $135 $135 $235
3. Food & Housing $4,909 $4,909 $2,182
4. Books & Supplies $550 $550 $550
5. Personal Expenses $3,182 $3,182 $1,414
6. Transportation $1,000 $1,000 $444
 
7. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $42,377
8. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $6,135 $6,135 $6,235
 
1. Tuition: $500 PER CREDIT HOUR
2. Fees: Technology Fee: $135 per semester.
Graduation Fee: $100 in final semester.
3. Food & Housing: Ouachita uses the College Board figures from regional surveys. Off-campus monthly budget is $1,091.
4. Books & Supplies: Best estimate.
5. Personal Expenses: Clothing, personal items, haircuts, entertainment, etc.
6. Transportation: Covers use of a car or public transportation. Not intended for purchase of car.

2024-25 MS in Exercise Science Estimated Cost of Attendance
  Fall 2024
12 hours
Spring 2025
12 hours
Summer 2024
12 hours
1. Tuition ($500 per hour) $6,000 $6,000 $6,000
2. Fees $130 $130 $230
3. Food & Housing $4,770 $4,770 $2,120
4. Books & Supplies $550 $550 $550
5. Personal Expenses $3,096 $3,096 $1,376
6. Transportation $972 $972 $432
 
7. Total Annual Cost of Attendance $41,744
8. Direct Cost to OBU (Tuition & Fees only) $6,130 $6,130 $6,230
 
1. Tuition: $500 PER CREDIT HOUR
2. Fees: Technology Fee: $130 per semester.
Graduation Fee: $100 in final semester.
3. Food & Housing: Ouachita uses the College Board figures from regional surveys. Off-campus monthly budget is $1,060.
4. Books & Supplies: Best estimate.
5. Personal Expenses: Clothing, personal items, haircuts, entertainment, etc.
6. Transportation: Covers use of a car or public transportation. Not intended for purchase of car.

 

Payment Options

All graduate and professional studies students at Ouachita must complete the online check-in process each semester, typically held a little more than a week before classes start. Students must finalize financial aid before this online check-in; the first payment for the semester's balance is due during the online check-in period. Students must pay each semester's balance in full before beginning the next semester. To pay the balance, students have two options each term:

  1. Pay the full semester balance during the online check-in period.
  2. Enroll in a monthly payment plan. Graduate students can split their tuition balance into five monthly payments for fall and spring semesters and two monthly payments for summer terms (three if including the May term). The first installment is due during online check-in, with subsequent payments due on the 15th of each following month.

Note: If the account is not paid in full by the first day of classes, students are automatically enrolled in the monthly payment plan with a $35 fee per semester.

 


GET IN TOUCH

Ready to take the next step in pursuing your graduate degree at Ouachita? Contact our financial aid office to discuss graduate aid and get started!

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