Ozarka College: $3,820 Tuition

$3,820Tuition

564Students

44%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$29,314Earnings

#24 in ArkansasPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Ozarka College

Ozarka College trains students for careers in the Arkansas Delta through hands-on programs that emphasize practical skills over theory. This community college serves 564 students in rural Melbourne, focusing on workforce development for industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and business. The school has built strong partnerships with local employers who actively recruit graduates.

Students pay an average of $4,396 after financial aid, making this one of Arkansas's most affordable college options. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $29,314 ten years after completion, while carrying just $9,818 in debt with monthly payments of only $104. The employment rate hits 90.1%, showing that employers value the practical training students receive.

Women make up 71% of the student body, typical for a college emphasizing healthcare and service programs. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that larger schools cannot match. With only 32 beds available on campus, most students commute from surrounding rural communities. The semester system and small class sizes create a supportive environment where students know their professors personally.

Academics & Faculty

Ozarka College focuses on career-ready programs that prepare students for immediate employment in rural Arkansas. The college serves 564 students with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personal attention in small classes. However, only 43.6% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. The college emphasizes hands-on training in fields like healthcare, business, and technical trades. Students can earn certificates and associate degrees designed to meet local workforce needs. The rural setting means limited research opportunities but strong connections to regional employers. Most programs prepare graduates for careers rather than transfer to four-year universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 55.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 43.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $29,314

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$52,733
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$24,421
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$22,192
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$13,702

View all 38 programs →

Campus Life

Ozarka sits in the Arkansas Ozark Mountains, about two hours north of Little Rock in a town of fewer than 2,000 people. With only 32 beds available, just 6% of the 564 students live on campus. Most commute from surrounding rural communities or live in nearby Melbourne.

The 71% female student body reflects the college's strong nursing and allied health programs. You'll need both winter coats and summer gear - Arkansas gets hot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snow. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress closely.

Weekends often involve outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or hunting in the surrounding Ozark wilderness. With 86% of students from Arkansas, many head home on weekends to work or visit family. The small campus creates tight-knit relationships, though social options are limited in the rural setting. Students serious about career training appreciate the focused, no-frills environment where 90% find employment after graduation.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 32 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1975

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–46°F
July Avg: 65°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.9"
Annual Snowfall: 6.7"

Student Demographics

Ozarka draws overwhelmingly from Arkansas, with 86% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the college's mission as a regional workforce developer in rural Arkansas. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, showing Ozarka serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. Women make up 71% of enrollment, which aligns with the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services. The student body is predominantly white at 94%, mirroring the demographics of rural northern Arkansas where the college is deeply embedded in local communities.

Men: 28.7%
Women: 71.3%
White: 93.6%
Black: 1.4%
Hispanic: 3.4%
Asian: 0.2%
In-State Students: 85.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 46.9%

Location

Melbourne sits in north-central Arkansas, about 90 miles northwest of Little Rock. This small town of roughly 1,800 people serves as the gateway to the Arkansas Ozarks. The college draws 85.71% of its students from in-state, reflecting its role as a local educational center. Melbourne's rural setting offers access to outdoor recreation including the nearby Buffalo National River and Ozark Mountains. The town maintains a quiet, close-knit atmosphere typical of rural Arkansas communities. Students often appreciate the low cost of living and small-town environment where professors know their names. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Ozarka College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Melbourne, Arkansas 72556-0010

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $29,314
Median Earnings (5 years): $29,795
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $22,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 35.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $104/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,818

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Ozarka College?

Ozarka College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who need career training or academic preparation. The college serves 564 students in rural Arkansas, with 86% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a key educational resource for the Ozarks region.

How much does Ozarka College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,396 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at $3,820, while 47% of students receive Pell Grants to help cover costs. The college keeps education affordable for working families in rural Arkansas.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Ozarka College?

Ozarka maintains a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in career-focused programs. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and practical skills training. This small class environment helps students succeed in technical and healthcare fields.

What are the job prospects for Ozarka College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 90% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for skilled workers in the region. Median earnings reach $29,314 ten years after graduation, with many students entering healthcare, manufacturing, and technical trades. The college's career focus prepares students for immediate employment opportunities.

Does Ozarka College have on-campus housing?

The college offers limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 32 students at $5,700 annually for room and board. Most of the 564 students commute from surrounding rural communities. This reflects the college's role as a regional commuter institution serving the Arkansas Ozarks.

What makes Ozarka College unique among Arkansas community colleges?

Ozarka serves one of the most remote rural areas in Arkansas, with 94% of students being white and many coming from small mountain communities. The college has maintained its mission since 1975 of providing accessible career training in an isolated region. Women make up 71% of enrollment, often pursuing healthcare and business programs.