Ozarks Technical Community College: $4,184 Tuition

$4,184Tuition

8,194Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,455Earnings

Public4-yearNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Ozarks Technical Community College

Ozarks Technical Community College serves 8,194 students in Springfield, Missouri, focusing heavily on career-ready programs. The school built its reputation on strong technical and health programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment or seamless transfer to four-year universities. Students can choose from hands-on training in fields like nursing, automotive technology, and manufacturing. The college operates on a semester system and maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention.

The financial picture looks favorable for most students. After financial aid, the average net price sits at $7,340, though low-income families typically pay just $5,952. Graduates earn a median of $36,455 ten years after starting college, while carrying only $10,453 in debt with monthly payments of $111. The employment rate reaches 92.2%, suggesting strong job placement success. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's role serving working-class families.

The student body draws almost entirely from Missouri, with 99% in-state enrollment. Women make up 58% of students, and the campus is predominantly white at nearly 80%. Athletic offerings remain limited with just two NAIA sports and 56 total athletes, but the focus stays firmly on academic and career preparation rather than campus life.

Academics & Faculty

Ozarks Technical Community College built its reputation on career-focused programs that get students into the workforce quickly. The school specializes in technical fields like automotive technology, welding, and manufacturing alongside robust health science programs including nursing and medical assisting. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive hands-on instruction in well-equipped labs and clinical settings. The 31% graduation rate reflects the challenge many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. Nearly all students are Missouri residents who choose OTC for its direct pathways to local employers or seamless transfers to four-year universities. The college's strength lies in practical training that matches regional job market demands.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 28.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 31.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,455

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$49,627
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$44,747
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$41,087
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$38,721
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$38,433
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$37,208
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$36,848
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies.	Certificate	$33,993
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$32,925
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$32,382

View all 71 programs →

Campus Life

OTC's Springfield campus sits in Missouri's third-largest city, home to 169,000 residents and known as the birthplace of Route 66. The college serves 8,194 students across multiple locations, with 99.02% coming from Missouri. Springfield's four-season climate means you'll need both winter coats for January lows around 25°F and shorts for July highs near 90°F.

As a commuter-focused community college, most students drive to campus rather than live in dorms. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes where professors know your name. Students often juggle work and family responsibilities alongside classes, creating a practical, goal-oriented atmosphere. Weekends typically involve part-time jobs, family time, or catching up on coursework rather than traditional college parties. The school's strong ties to local healthcare systems and technical employers mean many students already work in their chosen fields while completing degrees. With only 56 total athletes across 2 varsity sports, school spirit centers more around program achievements than athletic events.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1990

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	5	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–42°F
July Avg: 67°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.6"
Annual Snowfall: -1,538.4"

Student Demographics

This Springfield community college draws overwhelmingly from Missouri, with 99% of students coming from in-state. The strong local pull reflects OTC's reputation as southwest Missouri's go-to school for technical training and healthcare programs. Women make up 58% of enrollment, typical for a school known for nursing and allied health degrees. More than one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing OTC serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The student body is predominantly white at 80%, mirroring the demographics of the Ozarks region it serves.

Men: 41.8%
Women: 58.2%
White: 79.7%
Black: 3.1%
Hispanic: 7.8%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 99.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.1%

Location

Springfield sits in southwest Missouri, about 160 miles southeast of Kansas City and 220 miles southwest of St. Louis. The city serves as the unofficial capital of the Ozarks region, surrounded by rolling hills and known for its outdoor recreation opportunities. With a metro population of around 475,000, Springfield offers a mid-sized city atmosphere while maintaining affordable living costs that complement OTC's low tuition rates. The area hosts several colleges and universities, creating a educational center in the region. Bass Pro Shops originated here, reflecting the area's outdoor culture. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Ozarks Technical Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Springfield, Missouri 65802

Ozarks Technical Community College Main Entrance

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,455
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,317
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 34.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,453

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Ozarks Technical Community College?

The college maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. With 99.02% of students coming from Missouri, OTC primarily serves local residents seeking affordable higher education options. The school focuses on providing accessible pathways to both career training and university transfer.

How much does Ozarks Technical Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,340 annually, making it one of the most affordable college options in Missouri. In-state tuition runs just $4,184, while 37.11% of students receive Pell Grants to help cover costs. Low-income families earning under $30,000 typically pay only $5,952 after aid.

What academic programs is Ozarks Technical Community College known for?

The college built its reputation on strong technical and health programs that prepare students for immediate employment. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across 8,194 enrolled students, OTC offers hands-on training in high-demand fields. The school serves as both a career launcher and a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities.

What are the job prospects for Ozarks Technical Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 92.2% employment rate, reflecting the school's focus on career-ready programs. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $36,455, while recent graduates typically start around $33,329. The college's emphasis on technical training aligns well with regional job market demands.

Where is Ozarks Technical Community College located and what is campus life like?

The main campus sits in Springfield, Missouri, a mid-sized city in the heart of the Ozarks region. With only 56 total athletes competing in 2 NAIA sports as the Eagles, OTC maintains a small athletic presence. The student body of 58.20% women and 41.80% men creates a diverse learning environment focused on academics and career preparation.

How successful are students at completing their programs at Ozarks Technical Community College?

The college posts a 31.90% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates carry a manageable median debt of $10,453 with monthly payments around $111. Founded in 1990, OTC has established itself as a practical choice for students seeking affordable, career-focused education.