Ozark Christian College: 94.4% Acceptance Rate

94.4%Acceptance

$15,550Tuition

612Students

68%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,297Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindOtherData: 2023-24Christian Churches and Churches of Christ

About Ozark Christian College

Ozark Christian College prepares students for ministry and church leadership through intensive biblical education. The college serves 612 students in Joplin, Missouri, focusing entirely on Christian service careers. Nearly all applicants gain admission with a 94% acceptance rate. The school draws students from across the country, with only 33% coming from Missouri.

Students pay an average net price of $17,931 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median of $41,297 ten years after completing their degrees. Monthly loan payments average $178, with typical debt loads of $16,772. The numbers reflect the reality of ministry careers, where financial rewards come through service rather than salary. About 39% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many from modest backgrounds.

The campus houses 585 students in a close-knit community where men slightly outnumber women at 53%. Students compete as the Ambassadors in six varsity sports with 75 total athletes. The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention. Nearly 99% of graduates find employment, typically in churches and Christian organizations. The 68% six-year graduation rate reflects students who often balance studies with ministry work.

Academics & Faculty

Ozark Christian College focuses entirely on biblical education and ministry training. Students prepare for careers as pastors, missionaries, and church leaders through intensive scripture study and practical ministry experience. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal mentorship from professors who are active in ministry. With a 60% four-year graduation rate, many students complete their degrees on schedule despite the demanding curriculum. The college offers specialized tracks in preaching, youth ministry, and biblical counseling. All coursework centers on Christian doctrine and church history rather than traditional liberal arts subjects. Faculty members often serve as pastors themselves, bringing real-world ministry experience into the classroom.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 62.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 60.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 67.9%
Retention Rate: 77.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,297
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Transfer)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Bible/Biblical Studies.	Bachelor	$28,443
Bible/Biblical Studies.	Associate	$14,627

View all 12 programs →

Campus Life

Ozark Christian College sits in Joplin, a small city of 50,000 people about 150 miles south of Kansas City. With 585 housing spaces for 612 students, nearly everyone lives on campus in this tight-knit community. The campus centers around preparing students for ministry, with chapel services and Bible study woven into daily routines.

Missouri's four-season climate means you'll need both winter coats for January snow and shorts for humid summers reaching the 90s. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates classroom discussions that feel more like mentoring sessions than lectures. Students spend weekends in small groups, participating in local church services, or heading to nearby Carthage for shopping and dining.

The Ambassadors compete in six varsity sports with 75 total athletes, creating school spirit without the intensity of major college athletics. With 83% of students being white and strong ties to Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, the campus culture emphasizes shared faith and ministry preparation. Students often describe the atmosphere as family-like, where professors know your name and your calling.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 585 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1985

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–44°F
July Avg: 69°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.6"
Annual Snowfall: 7.8"

Student Demographics

Students come from across the country to pursue ministry training, with two-thirds traveling from outside Missouri. The school draws future pastors, missionaries, and church leaders who are committed to biblical education. Men slightly outnumber women, reflecting traditional ministry roles, though the gender gap is narrowing as churches expand opportunities for women in leadership. More than a third receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves students from modest backgrounds who view ministry as their calling rather than a path to wealth.

Men: 53.1%
Women: 46.9%
White: 83.2%
Black: 1.6%
Hispanic: 5.6%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 32.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 38.5%

Location

Ozark Christian College sits in Joplin, Missouri, a small city of about 51,000 people near the Kansas border. The campus is roughly 150 miles south of Kansas City and 170 miles southwest of St. Louis. Joplin rebuilt itself after a devastating 2011 tornado, creating a resilient community spirit that shapes the area. The city straddles the Ozark Mountains foothills, offering rolling hills and outdoor recreation opportunities. Students find affordable living costs and a tight-knit atmosphere in this former mining town. The college draws students from across the region, with only 32.54% coming from Missouri itself. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Ozark Christian College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Joplin, Missouri 64801

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,297
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,290
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 65.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $178/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,772

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Ozark Christian College?

Ozark Christian College admits 94.43% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students seeking biblical education. The college focuses on training future ministers and church leaders rather than selective admissions.

How much does Ozark Christian College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $17,931 annually, with the same $15,550 tuition rate for all students regardless of residency. About 38.49% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to making Christian education affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Ozark Christian College?

The college maintains a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio among its 612 enrolled students. This intimate academic environment supports the school's mission-focused curriculum centered on biblical studies and ministry preparation.

What are the graduation outcomes at Ozark Christian College?

About 60% of students graduate within four years, with the rate rising to 67.90% after six years. Graduates earn a median of $41,297 ten years after graduation, reflecting careers in ministry and church leadership.

Where is Ozark Christian College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Joplin, Missouri, a small city setting with housing capacity for 585 students. With 75 student athletes competing in 6 varsity sports as the Ambassadors, campus life blends academics with Christian fellowship.

Does Ozark Christian College have a religious affiliation?

The college is affiliated with Christian Churches and Churches of Christ and was founded in 1985 specifically for ministry training. With 98.6% employment rates, graduates typically enter pastoral roles, missionary work, and other Christian service positions.