Our Lady of the Lake University logo

Our Lady of the Lake University

Grad Rate
40.9%
Enrollment
1,110
Avg SAT
980
Tuition
$31,728
Median Salary
$48,675
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
B+
Aid

The Vibe Check

Our Lady of the Lake University offers an intimate, close-knit campus community in the heart of San Antonio. With a small enrollment of just over 1,100 students, the vibe is personal and supportive, where you're not just a number but a recognized face. It feels like a place where faculty and staff are deeply invested in your individual growth and success.

Academics & Majors

OLLU is recognized for its strengths in fields like Social Work, Counseling, and Business, often integrating service and ethics into the curriculum. The university emphasizes teaching over research, meaning students benefit from accessible professors and personalized classroom attention. Small class sizes foster discussion and direct mentorship, creating a collaborative learning environment.

Popular Majors

Public Administration
19.7%
Business & Marketing
14.3%
Psychology
13.6%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
8.2%
Education
7.9%
Biology & Biomedical
7.5%
Criminal Justice
7.2%
Health Professions
3.6%
Social Sciences
3.6%
English & Literature
3.2%
Computer Science
2.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

40.9%
Graduation Rate
58.3%
Retention Rate
1,110
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$31,728
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$17,760
After financial aid
Total Cost
$42,137
Cost of attendance/year
57.5%
Receive Pell Grants
64.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in San Antonio

Students enjoy easy access to downtown San Antonio, with its famous River Walk, diverse restaurants, and vibrant cultural scene. Outdoor activities are popular, from hiking in nearby parks to tubing on the Guadalupe River, while the city's rich history and Fiesta San Antonio provide year-round entertainment.

Local Rent Check

$1,197 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in San Antonio
Explore San Antonio

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$126,912
$0Est. 4 Years: $126,912

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($48,675):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The main campus is located in a historic, urban neighborhood with campus safety measures like security patrols and emergency call boxes in place. The surrounding area is generally safe, but as with any city, students should remain aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Small class sizes and personalized attention from professors
  • โœ“ Strong programs in Social Work, Business, and Education
  • โœ“ Prime location in San Antonio with access to urban internships and culture
  • โœ“ Diverse student body and inclusive campus environment

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation and retention rates may indicate challenges with student support
  • โœ— Limited campus life and housing options compared to larger universities
  • โœ— Smaller alumni network can be a hurdle for networking in certain fields

Notable Alumni

Lila Cockrell
Former Mayor of San Antonio and a prominent figure in Texas politics.
Adriana Trigiani
Bestselling author of 'Big Stone Gap' and other novels, and a filmmaker.
Betty J. M. O'Neill
Award-winning educator and former president of the university.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Lady of the Lake University is known for its strong academic programs in Social Work, Business, and Psychology. It is also recognized for its commitment to serving a diverse student body and its affiliation with the Sisters of Divine Providence, emphasizing a mission of service and social justice.

Our Lady of the Lake University has a relatively high acceptance rate, making it accessible to many applicants. While specific admissions data can vary, a strong high school GPA and a completed application are generally sufficient for consideration. The university looks for students who align with its mission of service and community engagement.

Campus life at OLLU is intimate and community-focused due to its small student population. Students benefit from a close-knit environment where it's easy to get to know classmates and faculty. While the campus is in an urban setting, the university provides a supportive atmosphere with various student organizations and activities.

The value of an OLLU degree depends on the student's major and career goals. With an average net price of $17,760 and median earnings of $48,675, the ROI can be positive, especially in high-demand fields like Social Work or Business. However, the low graduation rate is a factor to consider when evaluating the overall investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

H-E-B USAA San Antonio Independent School District Methodist Healthcare System JBSA - Joint Base San Antonio
Smart Start Score
59

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,299
  • In-State Tuition $31,728
  • Zip Code 78207

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 33.1% โ™€ 66.9%

The Money Talk

While the sticker price is over $31,000, the average net price of $17,760 makes it more accessible for many families. With a 10-year median earnings of $48,675, the return on investment is moderate and depends heavily on the chosen major. The high percentage of students receiving Pell Grants indicates a strong commitment to serving a diverse, often financially challenged, student body.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $31,728
Housing (12 mo) $14,364
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $53,292
With avg financial aid:
$17,760/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.