Frequently Asked Questions: Applying to OBU

Picking a university can be one of the most daunting and important decisions you’ll ever make. With so many factors involved in finding the right campus to fit your personality and needs, you’re sure to have a few questions. From tuition and housing to scholarships and campus safety, Oklahoma Baptist University has the answers to some of your most burning admissions questions, whether you’re an incoming freshman or transfer student.

We asked our admissions counselors to share some of the questions they hear most often to help you get the answers you need before hitting that submit button on your OBU application.

Q: How long does it take to receive a decision after I apply? 

A: Once you apply and we have your transcripts and test scores, you’ll hear back on an admissions decision within one to two weeks.

Q: How much is tuition at OBU?

A: We utilize a total cost model, so you know exactly what the full cost of attending OBU for one year will be, not JUST the cost of tuition. The total cost model includes the cost of tuition, fees, housing and meals.

For the 2018-2019 school year, the total cost of tuition is $35,608,

Q: What kind of scholarships are available? 

A: Every admitted freshman is guaranteed an academic scholarship of at least $5,000. Scholarships at OBU range from $5,000 to $12,000 and about 50 percent of our students receive additional aid on top of their academic scholarship. Last year, we awarded nearly $25 million in scholarships and grants.

Find out how much scholarship money you may be eligible to receive your freshman year at OBU with our academic scholarship estimator. You can also use our Net Price Calculator to find out how much you’ll owe your freshman year after taking into account your awarded scholarships and additional financial aid.

Q: What major is OBU most known for?

A: We are most well-known for our nursing program. Our brand-new nursing facility, Stavros Hall, has the latest state-of-the-art equipment used by our nursing students for advanced simulations. This allows them to get real-life experience as part of their time in the classroom.

We also offer the entire four-year nursing degree at OBU, meaning you don’t have to transfer to another university for the nursing school portion. To make it even better, our nursing program doesn’t have a waitlist, so as long as you meet the requirements to start the program your junior year, you’re in!

While OBU offers more than 88 majors or areas of study for students to choose from, our business, education, theology, science and fine arts degrees are some of the most popular among incoming freshmen.

Explore all of the academic programs at OBU.

Q: How safe is the OBU campus? 

A: OBU’s University Police Department is on the job 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep all students, faculty, and staff safe while on campus. The OBU campus is well-lit, but if students or staff ever feel unsafe, they can call campus security at 405-878-6000 and an officer will escort them to their dorm or wherever they need to go on campus.

The University Police Department also partners with the Dean of Students to enforce university rules and regulations, as well as the Shawnee Police Department to enforce city and state laws in the campus vicinity.

Review OBU’s campus safety report for 2016.

Q: What is there to do in Shawnee or on the OBU campus?

There’s plenty to keep you busy both on campus and in the city of Shawnee! OBU Bison have more than 100 student organizations, club sports and intramural teams they can get involved in during their time on campus. From faith-based groups to musical theater companies, you’re sure to find a group of like-minded students ready to welcome you with open arms.

For those who prefer other forms of entertainment, there are many other activities and events happening each week for students and community members to attend including concerts, Thursday night worship services, ice cream socials, carnivals, NCAA Div. II athletics and more.

If you’re interested in getting involved in the Shawnee community, there are several churches near campus. The local churches in the area offer students a great opportunity to form a connection with and give back to the local community.

Shawnee is a great college town, pairing the small-town charm of local favorites like Van’s Pig Stand and Firelake Bowl with its proximity to the animated OKC area. In just a short 30-minute drive from Shawnee, OBU students can take advantage of all that OKC has to offer, from hip new restaurants and big-name concerts to shopping and attractions.

Check out our Bison Bucket List for the things every OBU student should try both on- and off-campus during their time in Shawnee.

Learn More by Visiting the OBU Campus

Want to find out more about all that OBU has to offer in person? Check out our upcoming admissions events and schedule your campus visit today. Our admissions events and campus visits are a great way to see campus, ask all the questions you may have about applying to OBU and meet other students interested in attending our university.

Be a Bison Day

Find out what it’s like to walk in the shoes of an OBU Bison. This event is for high school seniors who have already submitted their OBU application.

Night on the Hill

This event will allow high school seniors to truly immerse themselves into OBU campus life by staying in a student dorm, going to class and attending chapel.

Preview Day

If you’re just getting started with your college search, join us for Preview Day to find out all there is to know about becoming a student at OBU.

Individual Campus Visits

Want a more personal touch? Schedule an individual campus visit to tour campus, meet with an admissions counselor, visit a class and more!

Still have questions? Contact the OBU admissions team at 405-585-5000 or admissions@okbu.edu. If you’re ready to take the next step toward finding your place at OBU, submit your application today!