At $17,931/yr net price, Ozark Christian College graduates earn $41,297/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,297/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,931 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,297/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,297/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,772 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,279/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,868/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,578/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,782/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,161/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $28,443 | $19,313 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Associate | $14,627 |
The Risk Factor
67.9% of students at Ozark Christian College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Ozark Christian College delivers below-average financial returns with median earnings of $41,297 ten years after graduation. The school's Bible and Biblical Studies programs, which dominate enrollment, produce graduates earning between $14,627 and $28,443 annually. These earnings fall well short of what you need to comfortably repay even the school's relatively modest median debt of $16,772.
The graduation rate of 68% means one in three students leave without completing their degree, often while carrying debt. Your retention rate of 77% suggests academic or financial struggles push students out after freshman year. This creates significant risk of debt without credential completion.
You face limited career flexibility with degree options concentrated almost entirely in religious ministry. The regional job market in Joplin, Missouri offers few high-paying opportunities for ministry graduates, and relocating for better prospects becomes necessary for most graduates seeking higher earnings.
This school works financially only if you plan to enter ministry with strong family or church support systems that supplement low pastoral salaries. You should avoid Ozark Christian College if you need your degree to generate income sufficient for independent living or loan repayment without external support.
The net price of $17,931 appears reasonable until you factor in the earning potential. With only 38% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves securing outside funding through religious organizations or considering this education as vocational training rather than a traditional college investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ozark Christian College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Ozark Christian College graduates earn a median of $41,297 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. The relatively low net price of $17,931 per year helps offset the modest earnings, but students should expect limited earning potential in ministry-focused careers.
What is the return on investment for Ozark Christian College Bible programs?
Bible and Biblical Studies graduates from Ozark Christian College typically earn between $14,627 and $28,443 annually. These earnings reflect the financial reality of ministry work, where compensation is generally lower than secular career paths.
How much debt do Ozark Christian College students graduate with?
The median debt for Ozark Christian College graduates is $16,772, which is manageable compared to many four-year institutions. However, given the low post-graduation earnings in ministry fields, even this modest debt load may create financial strain.
Does Ozark Christian College have good job placement after graduation?
With a 67.9% graduation rate and focus on ministry preparation, Ozark Christian College serves students committed to religious vocations despite lower financial returns. The school's value depends entirely on whether students prioritize ministry calling over financial outcomes.