At $13,630/yr net price, University of the Ozarks graduates earn $44,384/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,384/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,630 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,520 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,384/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,384/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,875 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,780/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,743/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,810/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,331/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,376/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,416 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $17,321 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $19,750 |
The Risk Factor
51.8% of students at University of the Ozarks graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of the Ozarks gives you a modest financial return that leans mixed. You'll pay about $13,630 a year net and leave with median debt around $20,875, which is manageable against median earnings of $44,384 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable, but the earnings themselves are low, so the payoff is steady rather than strong.
The program data tells a harder story. The three bachelor's programs with reported earnings all land under $36,000 a year early in careers. Teacher Education tops the list at $35,416, Business Administration follows at $33,993, and Biology sits lowest at $29,685 while carrying nearly as much debt. None of these clear $36,000, so no matter which of these three you pick, expect a slow start. Teaching and business are the safer bets here. Biology pays the least yet borrows almost as much as the others, so it's the weakest deal on paper unless you plan on graduate school.
The specific risk is completion. Only about 52% of you will graduate, and 27% won't return after the first year. If you borrow and don't finish, you carry debt with no degree behind it, and Arkansas's regional job market won't bail you out at these salary levels.
The net price tiers work in your favor if your family earns under $48,000, where you pay under $11,000 a year. Families over $110,000 pay closer to $19,376, a real jump that changes the math on borrowing.
This school fits you if you're low-income, aiming at teaching or business, and confident you'll finish. If you'd borrow heavily for Biology or you're on the fence about graduating, look for a cheaper or higher-earning option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of the Ozarks worth the cost?
University of the Ozarks offers a relatively low net price at $13,630 annually, but graduates earn just $44,384 ten years after enrollment. The school's 52% graduation rate and median debt of $20,875 suggest mixed value for most students.
What are the best paying majors at University of the Ozarks?
Teacher education graduates earn the highest at $35,416 annually, followed by business majors at $33,993. Biology graduates earn significantly less at $29,685, making it a weaker financial choice at this school.
How much debt do University of the Ozarks graduates typically have?
The median debt for University of the Ozarks graduates is $20,875. With average post-graduation earnings of $44,384, graduates typically face a manageable debt-to-income ratio.
Does University of the Ozarks have good financial aid?
The school brings costs down to a net price of $13,630 per year through financial aid. However, nearly half of students don't graduate, which limits the value of any aid received.