About College of the Ozarks
Students work campus jobs instead of paying tuition at this Missouri institution that calls itself "Hard Work U." The college enrolls 1,415 students on a rural campus in Point Lookout, where the work program covers most educational costs. With an acceptance rate of just 21%, getting in requires strong academics and a commitment to the school's evangelical Christian mission. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates close relationships between professors and students who balance coursework with required campus employment.
The work program makes this one of America's best educational bargains. Students pay an average net price of only $7,669 annually, with low-income families paying just $6,214. Graduates earn a median of $41,592 ten years after leaving, providing solid returns on their minimal investment. The federal loan rate sits at 0%, meaning most students graduate debt-free through the combination of work earnings and institutional support.
The student body reflects the school's regional appeal, with 68% coming from Missouri and 87% identifying as white. The 88% retention rate suggests students adapt well to the demanding work-study lifestyle. Eight varsity sports compete at the NAIA level, though athletics take a backseat to the school's primary focus on character development through labor and learning.
The work program makes this one of America's best educational bargains. Students pay an average net price of only $7,669 annually, with low-income families paying just $6,214. Graduates earn a median of $41,592 ten years after leaving, providing solid returns on their minimal investment. The federal loan rate sits at 0%, meaning most students graduate debt-free through the combination of work earnings and institutional support.
The student body reflects the school's regional appeal, with 68% coming from Missouri and 87% identifying as white. The 88% retention rate suggests students adapt well to the demanding work-study lifestyle. Eight varsity sports compete at the NAIA level, though athletics take a backseat to the school's primary focus on character development through labor and learning.
Academics & Faculty
College of the Ozarks operates as a Christian liberal arts college where students work campus jobs to cover their tuition costs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring relationships typical of smaller liberal arts schools. Students graduate at a 61.3% rate within six years, reflecting the unique demands of balancing academics with required work programs. The college emphasizes practical skills alongside traditional liberal arts education, preparing students for careers through hands-on experience in campus operations. Popular programs include agriculture, business, and education, which align with the school's work-study philosophy. The combination of academic study and mandatory employment creates graduates who enter the workforce with both degrees and substantial work experience.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.3%
- Retention Rate
- 88.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,592
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $58,673 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,896 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $32,391 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $28,381 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $28,055 |
| Animal Sciences. | Bachelor | $27,488 |
Campus Life
Students at College of the Ozarks work 15 hours per week in campus jobs ranging from farming to food service instead of paying tuition. The 1,000-acre campus sits on Lake Taneycomo in the Missouri Ozarks, about two hours from Springfield. With housing capacity for 1,378 students and total enrollment of 1,415, nearly everyone lives on campus in a close-knit community. You'll need a winter coat for Missouri winters but can enjoy mild springs and warm summers perfect for lake activities.
The work program creates a unique campus culture where students take pride in maintaining their own facilities and food operations. About 68% of students come from Missouri, creating a predominantly regional feel. With just 112 total athletes across 8 varsity sports, the Bobcats compete in NAIA athletics but academics and work take priority. Weekends often involve outdoor activities on the lake, campus events, or trips to nearby Branson entertainment district. The evangelical Christian foundation means chapel attendance and campus ministry play central roles in daily life.
The work program creates a unique campus culture where students take pride in maintaining their own facilities and food operations. About 68% of students come from Missouri, creating a predominantly regional feel. With just 112 total athletes across 8 varsity sports, the Bobcats compete in NAIA athletics but academics and work take priority. Weekends often involve outdoor activities on the lake, campus events, or trips to nearby Branson entertainment district. The evangelical Christian foundation means chapel attendance and campus ministry play central roles in daily life.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,378 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1906
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–43°F
- July Avg
- 68°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.8"
Student Demographics
Students flock to "Hard Work U" primarily from Missouri and surrounding states, drawn by the unique work-study program that eliminates tuition costs. The student body leans slightly female and overwhelmingly white, reflecting both the rural Ozarks location and the school's appeal to traditional Christian families. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, underscoring the college's mission to serve working-class families who couldn't otherwise afford higher education. The work requirement and conservative Christian environment attract students willing to trade labor for learning in a tight-knit community setting.
- Men
- 43.9%
- Women
- 56.1%
- White
- 86.8%
- Black
- 1.4%
- Hispanic
- 4.7%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 68.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.6%
Location
Point Lookout sits in the Missouri Ozarks, about 45 miles southwest of Springfield. The campus overlooks Table Rock Lake in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. This rural setting attracts students seeking a close-knit community away from urban distractions. The nearest major metropolitan area, Springfield, provides internship and job opportunities while remaining accessible. Branson's tourist attractions lie just 10 miles away. The mountainous terrain and lakes define this corner of southern Missouri. With 68% of students coming from in-state, many already know the region's outdoor recreation opportunities. The town of Point Lookout exists primarily to serve the college. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare College of the Ozarks with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Point Lookout, Missouri 65726-0017
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,592
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $40,407
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,800
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at College of the Ozarks?
College of the Ozarks accepts just 21% of applicants, making it quite selective for a regional institution. The school's unique work-study program, where students work campus jobs instead of paying tuition, attracts many applicants seeking debt-free education.
How much does College of the Ozarks cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,669 after aid, with the lowest-income families paying just $6,214. The college's modern work program eliminates tuition costs entirely, requiring students to work 15 hours per week on campus instead.
What is the student-faculty ratio at College of the Ozarks?
College of the Ozarks maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,415 total students. This Christian liberal arts college emphasizes close relationships between professors and students while maintaining its motto as 'Hard Work U.'
How much do College of the Ozarks graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $41,592 ten years after graduation, with 97.7% finding employment. The college's emphasis on work ethic and practical skills through campus jobs helps prepare students for successful careers.
Where is College of the Ozarks located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Point Lookout, Missouri, housing 1,378 students in a close-knit community setting. With 88% of students returning each year and 8 varsity sports teams competing in NAIA, campus life centers around the shared work experience and Christian values.
Does College of the Ozarks really require students to work instead of paying tuition?
Students work campus jobs for 15 hours per week and two 40-hour work weeks per semester in lieu of paying the $21,290 tuition. This unique system means 0% of students take federal loans, earning the school its nickname 'Hard Work U' since 1906.
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