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60.1%Acceptance
$25,950Tuition
753Students
52%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$44,384Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Presbyterian Church (USA)

About University of the Ozarks

The University of the Ozarks builds its reputation on small classes and personal attention in the Arkansas River Valley. This Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts college enrolls 753 students in a remote town setting where professors know students by name. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment that larger universities cannot match. Founded in 1834, the school has deep roots in providing accessible education to students from modest backgrounds.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. Students pay an average net price of $13,630, well below the sticker price of $25,950. Graduates earn a median of $44,384 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $20,875. The monthly loan payment of $221 represents a manageable burden relative to earnings. Over one-third of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to economic diversity.

Student success requires persistence here. The four-year graduation rate sits at 47%, while the six-year rate climbs to 52%. The 73% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life. Nearly 300 students compete in 16 NCAA Division III sports as Eagles, creating a tight-knit athletic community without the pressure of athletic scholarships.

Academics & Faculty

University of the Ozarks operates as a liberal arts college where students explore diverse subjects before choosing a major. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally and provide individual attention during office hours and class discussions. However, the 51.8% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees despite this support. The college emphasizes its work program, where all students hold on-campus jobs to help fund their education while gaining professional experience. This Presbyterian-affiliated school focuses on developing critical thinking and communication skills across disciplines rather than specialized technical training. Small class sizes foster close relationships between students and faculty members.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
82.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
47.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
51.8%
Retention Rate
72.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,384
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $35,416
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $33,993
Biology, General. Bachelor $29,685

View all 28 programs →

Campus Life

The University of the Ozarks sits in rural Arkansas, about 100 miles northwest of Little Rock. With 753 students and housing for 618, most students live on the tree-covered campus surrounded by the Arkansas River Valley. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress closely.

Arkansas weather means hot, humid summers and mild winters where a light jacket usually suffices. Students often spend weekends hiking the nearby Ozark Mountains or floating the Arkansas River. The campus centers around Walker Hall, a historic building that houses classrooms and the dining hall where most meal conversations happen. Greek life doesn't dominate social life here. Instead, the 16 varsity sports teams and 293 student-athletes create much of the campus energy. Basketball games pack the gymnasium during winter months. The Presbyterian heritage shows in required chapel services, though students from all backgrounds attend. Small-town Clarksville offers a few restaurants and a Walmart, but most entertainment happens on campus through student organizations and outdoor activities.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
618 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1834

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 1 1 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Stalking 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
29°–48°F
July Avg
71°–91°F
Annual Precipitation
51.0"
Annual Snowfall
2.5"

Student Demographics

The University of the Ozarks draws a balanced mix of Arkansas natives and students from across the region. About half the student body comes from in-state, reflecting the college's strong local reputation in rural Arkansas. The school serves many first-generation college students, with 36% receiving Pell Grants. Women slightly outnumber men at this Presbyterian liberal arts college, typical of schools emphasizing education and social work programs. The diverse student body includes significant Hispanic representation at 15%, making it one of the more multicultural campuses in rural Arkansas.
Men
44.5%
Women
55.5%
White
43.3%
Black
5.8%
Hispanic
15.1%
Asian
1.1%
In-State Students
51.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
36.0%

Location

Clarksville sits in the Arkansas River Valley about 100 miles northwest of Little Rock. The town of roughly 9,000 residents doubles as a college community where students make up about 8% of the local population. Rolling hills and the nearby Ozark Mountains create a scenic backdrop for this remote setting. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the intimate scale you'd expect in a small Arkansas town. With 51% of students coming from in-state, the campus maintains strong Arkansas roots while drawing others to this rural college experience. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare University of the Ozarks with similar schools in the region.
Address
Clarksville, Arkansas 72830
UofO Color-GreyBack
UofO Color-GreyBack
University of the Ozarks campus
University of the Ozarks campus
U of O Walker Hall
U of O Walker Hall

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,384
Median Earnings (5 years)
$43,707
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,700
Loan Repayment Rate
59.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$221/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,875

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of the Ozarks?

University of the Ozarks accepts 60% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small liberal arts college. Students typically need SAT scores around 1055 or ACT scores around 22 to be competitive. This Presbyterian-affiliated school values both academic preparation and character in their well-rounded admissions process.

How much does University of the Ozarks cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of the Ozarks is $13,630, lower than the sticker price of $25,950. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,780 on average. About 36% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to making education accessible to first-generation and low-income students.

What are the academics like at University of the Ozarks?

University of the Ozarks maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 753 total students, ensuring personalized attention in this close-knit academic community. The retention rate of 73% reflects solid student satisfaction with the liberal arts curriculum. As a small college founded in 1834, it emphasizes mentorship and undergraduate research opportunities.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from University of the Ozarks?

University of the Ozarks graduates earn a median salary of $44,384 ten years after graduation with an employment rate of 95.3%. The median debt load is $20,875, which is manageable given the strong employment outcomes. However, the six-year graduation rate of 52% suggests some students take longer to complete their degrees at this rural Arkansas institution.

Where is University of the Ozarks located and what is campus life like?

University of the Ozarks sits in Clarksville, Arkansas, a remote town setting that creates a tight campus community. With housing for 618 students and 293 student-athletes competing in 16 NCAA Division III sports, campus life revolves around academics and athletics. The Eagles compete in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, fostering school spirit in this small college environment.

Does University of the Ozarks have a religious affiliation?

University of the Ozarks maintains ties to the Presbyterian Church (USA), continuing a faith-based tradition dating back to its 1834 founding. The religious affiliation influences campus culture and values while welcoming students of all backgrounds. This Presbyterian heritage shapes the college's emphasis on service, social justice, and ethical leadership development.