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:

• 2024-25 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.

 

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.

 

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