Understanding Oklahoma Baptist University Tuition and Fees

Paying for college can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) aims to make education affordable for students who desire it and meet its demands. Understanding the various costs, financial aid options, and payment plans is crucial for prospective students and their families. This article provides a comprehensive overview of OBU's tuition, fees, financial aid, and related policies.

Tuition Costs

In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Oklahoma Baptist University was $30,340. This is $1,060 more than the national average for Baccalaureate Colleges ($29,280). These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.

Factors Affecting Tuition

Several factors can influence the final cost of tuition for students at OBU. These include:

Full-time vs. Part-time Enrollment: Students must be enrolled on a full-time basis (at least 12 credit hours per semester) and admitted as a degree seeking undergraduate student in order to receive awards and may receive only one academic scholarship unless otherwise noted.
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Living: All students living in a residence hall are required to have one of the standard Block plans or the Unlimited plan. For students living off campus, a Block or Unlimited Meal Plan is available for purchase as well as the small Block Plans.
Selected Meal Plan: All students living in a residence hall are required to have one of the standard Block plans or the Unlimited plan.

Additional Costs

Beyond tuition, students should also budget for other expenses, including:

Room and Board: The average yearly cost of room and board at Oklahoma Baptist University was $8,248 in 2023.
Books and Supplies: The average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,350.
Personal Expenses: Personal Expenses $1,805 per year.
Transportation: Transportation $1,790 per year.

As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At Oklahoma Baptist University, the total cost is $48,650.

Financial Aid Opportunities

OBU provides various financial assistance programs to supplement family resources and ease the financial burden of those experiencing financial hardships. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, part-time employment, and various educational assistance programs. In 2023, 98% of undergraduate students attending Oklahoma Baptist University received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 44% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans.

Scholarships

The numerous academic, competitive, and performance scholarships offered by the University are listed below. Students must be enrolled on a full-time basis (at least 12 credit hours per semester) and admitted as a degree seeking undergraduate student in order to receive these awards and may receive only one academic scholarship unless otherwise noted. Academic scholarships are awarded and lost on an annual basis rather than a semester by semester basis. However, all awards are credited to the student’s account at the rate of one-half the annual amount per fall/spring semester. Scholarships will be evaluated at the end of the spring term and are renewable as long as the student maintains the cumulative GPA required by the respective scholarship. Renewal awards are determined by using the student’s cumulative GPA prior to the start of the fall semester. Grade point averages are not rounded for the purposes of scholarship renewal eligibility. In the event a scholarship is lost due to an insufficient cumulative GPA, it may be reinstated once the student reaches the required minimum at the beginning of an academic year. Summer course work will be accepted toward scholarship renewal eligibility for the following fall semester.

Academic Scholarships: Scholarships range from $9,000-$14,000 and award amounts are determined based on high school GPA.
Fine Arts Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded by audition to outstanding full-time students in the areas of Art, Music, Communication Arts, and Theatre.
Departmental Scholarships: Departmental Scholarships of various amounts are awarded to students majoring in Art, Music, Theatre, Communication Arts, Nursing or a ministry vocation.
Church Partnership Program: The program will match up to $1,000 provided by participating churches or associations for a possible $2,000 annual award.
Church Staff Dependent Scholarships: Scholarships of $1,000 are awarded annually to the spouse or children of paid professional denominational ministers.
MK Scholarships: Scholarships of $1,000 up to half-tuition are awarded annually to the children of SBC International Mission Board and North American Mission Board missionaries.
Mary June Tabor Church Music Scholarships: Scholarships of $1,000 or more provide financial aid for students preparing for full-time church music ministry.
Louise M. Prichard scholarships: Scholarships are awarded to all ministry majors in the Herschel H. Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry.
Acteens Scholarships: Acteens who complete the requirements listed below may earn a scholarship ranging from $200 per year for one level to $800 per year for five or more levels of achievement.
Challengers Scholarships: Challengers who complete the requirements for Mission Challenge awards may earn a four-year scholarship to OBU.
Concurrent Scholarships: Scholarships are available to High School Juniors and Seniors. This scholarship reduces the tuition rate to $125 per credit hour for a maximum of six hours per semester.
Athletic Scholarships: Athletic Scholarships* are avai.
Enrollment Guarantee Deposit: New undergraduate students must make a $125 enrollment guarantee deposit.

The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Oklahoma Baptist University was $11,285. Additionally, 81% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in fall 2023.

Grants

Grants are another form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. These are typically need-based and can come from federal, state, or institutional sources.

Loans

Loans must be paid back. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $3,393. At Oklahoma Baptist University, 59% of all students take out federal loans. At Oklahoma Baptist University, the average annual federal loan amount is $5633. At Oklahoma Baptist University, 19% of students take out private loans. The average private loan amount at Oklahoma Baptist University is $8257. The percentage of students getting federal loans is greater than those getting private loans, which is a good sign.

Work-Study

Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time.

Net Price and Affordability

In 2023 Oklahoma Baptist University had an average net price - the price paid after factoring in grants and loans - of $25,099. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price of Oklahoma Baptist University grew by 1.73%. Average net price is calculated from full-time beginning undergraduate students who were awarded a grant or scholarship from federal, state or local governments, or the institution.

Net Price Calculator

Most schools have an updated Net Price calculator available. Once you have a Net Price estimate, you’ll want to figure out whether your family can afford to pay Oklahoma Baptist University tuition and costs.

Payment Plans

Many OBU students take advantage of flexible payment plans, making it easier to manage tuition. Yes, OBU offers multiple payment plans for each semester, allowing you to split up your payments into as many as ten payments throughout the academic year.

Semester Installment Plans

Undergraduate Fall or Spring charges not covered by payments or by financial aid (as certified by the Office of Student Financial Services) may be paid under a Semester Installment Plan.

Three-Payment Plan: Payments for enrollment costs, less verified financial aid, are due as follows: fall semester - September 1, October 1 and November 1. Spring semester - February 1, March 1 and April 1.
Four-Payment Plan: Payments for enrollment costs, less verified financial aid, are due as follows: fall semester - August 1, September 1, October 1, and November 1. Spring semester - January 1, February 1, March 1, and April 1.
Five-Payment Plan: Payments for enrollment costs, less verified financial aid, are due as follows: fall semester - July 1, August 1, September 1, October 1 and November 1. Spring semester - December 1, January 1, February 1, March 1 and April 1.

All charges for tuition, fees, room, and board are due and payable at the beginning of the term.

Payment Deadlines

January Term: All charges are due the first day of class.
Summer Term: One-half of all undergraduate charges not covered by financial aid must be paid by the first day of class.

Refund Policies

Students who have not met minimum payment requirements, i.e. If a student withdraws from school or decreases hours after classes begin, applicable refunds will post to the student account for tuition and fees based upon the following schedule. Refunds for tuition and fees are based upon the date the student notifies the Academic Center IN WRITING OR IN PERSON.

Withdrawal from full fall or spring term: Within five academic days after classes begin, credit is 100%; within ten academic days, 80%; within fifteen academic days, 60%; within twenty academic days, 40%.
Withdrawal from the January term and four-week summer term: Within two academic days after classes begin, credit is 100%; within three academic days, 80%; within four academic days, 60%; within five academic days, 40%.
Withdrawal from eight-week terms for undergraduate: Within five academic days after classes begin, credit is 100%; within six academic days, 80%; within seven academic days, 60%; within eight academic days, 40%.
Withdrawal from eight-week terms for graduate: Prior to the first day of class, credit is 100%; within the first week of class, 80%; within second week of class, 60%; within third week of class, 40%.

Refunds for housing are prorated on a daily rate based upon the date the student notifies Residential Life IN WRITING OR IN PERSON or officially checks out of campus housing, whichever is later. Meals are refunded according to the following schedule based upon the date the student notifies Residential Life IN WRITING OR IN PERSON.

Student Loan Debt

How much student loan debt you accumulate can affect your financial life long after college ends. Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate. The median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $24,801. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $263. Additionally, 15% of graduating students at Oklahoma Baptist University took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $26,259 in private loan debt at graduation.

Resources and Support

No OBU student faces the financial aid process alone. The Office of Student Financial Services is provided to help eligible students obtain financial assistance and financial planning to attend OBU. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. With the right resources and support, navigating scholarships, grants and payment options is completely conquerable. Don’t let finances hold you back from God’s plan for you.

Contact Information

Questions? Navigating financial aid can feel complex, but OBU is here to help you feel confident and informed. Our team is ready to answer your questions and provide guidance tailored to your situation. You can schedule one-on-one meetings or attend workshops to learn more about your options. Explore OBU’s admission resources to learn more about programs, requirements and next steps.

tags: #oklahoma #baptist #university #tuition #fees