Overview
College of the Ozarks is a selective private four-year institution in Point Lookout, Missouri. The school accepts 21.1% of applicants and enrolls 1,415 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 21.1%
- Average SAT
- 1,150
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,065–1,234
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 23
- Total Enrollment
- 1,415
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
College of the Ozarks requires every student to work 15 hours per week on campus instead of paying tuition, earning it the nickname "Hard Work U." Your application must show genuine financial need and a strong work ethic, not just academic achievement. The admissions committee expects you to explain why you need this opportunity and how you'll contribute to the campus work program.
Your essay should address the college's mission of providing education to students who wouldn't otherwise afford it. Don't write about wanting a "unique college experience" or how the work program will "build character." Instead, explain your family's financial situation honestly and describe specific work experiences that prepared you for campus jobs like running the college's sawmill, dairy farm, or fire department.
The application requires a pastor's recommendation alongside academic references, reflecting the college's Christian foundation. Your character references matter more here than at typical liberal arts colleges. The admissions office wants to see service to others, not just personal accomplishments.
Submit your application early in the fall because the college fills spots on a rolling basis. Don't assume you can apply in January like at other schools. The work program creates limited capacity, so timing affects your chances significantly.
If you're interested in agriculture, highlight 4-H or FFA involvement since the college operates working farms where students gain hands-on experience. For nursing applicants, emphasize any healthcare volunteering since the program requires clinical rotations at local hospitals.
Don't romanticize the work requirement in your essays. Admissions officers can spot applicants who view it as a novelty rather than a necessity. They want students who need this path to college and will take campus jobs seriously, whether that means cleaning buildings at 6 AM or helping with food service during busy periods.
The college's "no debt" policy means you graduate without student loans if you complete the program, but this attracts applicants who don't understand the demanding schedule of balancing academics with mandatory work hours.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $7,669/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $21,290
- Students Receiving Aid
- 44%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.3%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,592/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 88.3%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does College of the Ozarks require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
College of the Ozarks requires either SAT or ACT scores for admission. The school does not have a test-optional policy.
What is the work program requirement at College of the Ozarks?
All students at College of the Ozarks must participate in the work program, working 15 hours per week on campus in exchange for tuition coverage. Students cannot opt out of this requirement.
When is the application deadline for College of the Ozarks?
College of the Ozarks has a February 15 application deadline for fall admission. The school uses a rolling admissions process and encourages early application due to limited enrollment spots.
Can transfer students apply to College of the Ozarks?
College of the Ozarks accepts transfer students with at least 24 college credit hours and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Transfer students must also participate in the work program and meet the same financial need requirements as first-year students.