At $7,669/yr net price, College of the Ozarks graduates earn $41,592/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,592/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,669 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,676 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,592/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,592/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.3% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,214/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,639/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,275/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,273/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,397/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
61.3% of students at College of the Ozarks graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
College of the Ozarks delivers strong value with a net price under $8,000 annually, making it one of the most affordable private colleges in America. Your median earnings of $41,592 after ten years provide solid returns given the minimal debt burden, though outcomes vary dramatically by major choice.
Computer Science graduates earn $58,673 annually, representing outstanding ROI for a low-cost education. Nursing also pays well at $52,107, benefiting from strong regional healthcare demand in Missouri and Arkansas. Business Administration graduates earn modestly at $40,896, while Public Relations and Agricultural Business majors face tougher financial prospects with starting salaries in the low thirties.
The school's work-study program requires all students to work on campus, which keeps costs down but may limit internship opportunities that boost post-graduation earnings. Your 61% graduation rate signals academic challenges that could extend time to degree and reduce financial returns.
You face geographic risk since most graduates stay in the rural Ozarks region where salaries lag national averages. The school works best financially if you plan to remain in Missouri, Arkansas, or similar lower-cost areas where your earnings stretch further.
College of the Ozarks makes financial sense if you want minimal debt and can succeed in their structured environment. Choose Computer Science or Nursing for the strongest earnings potential. Avoid this school if you need urban internship access, plan to work in high-cost cities, or require significant academic support to graduate on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of the Ozarks worth the cost compared to other colleges?
College of the Ozarks offers exceptional value with a net price of just $7,669 per year, significantly lower than most colleges. However, graduates earn $41,592 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates.
What are the best paying majors at College of the Ozarks?
Computer Science graduates from College of the Ozarks earn around $58,673, making it the highest-paying program. Nursing graduates earn $52,107, while business majors average $40,896.
Does College of the Ozarks have a good graduation rate for the investment?
College of the Ozarks has a 61% graduation rate, which is concerning given that nearly 40% of students don't complete their degree. The low cost helps offset this risk, but the completion rate remains below ideal.
Will I have student debt if I attend College of the Ozarks?
College of the Ozarks keeps costs extremely low at $7,669 per year through its work program where students work on campus instead of paying tuition. Most graduates leave with minimal debt compared to other schools.