College of the Ozarks

The curriculum leans practical and patriotic, with top majors including Psychology, Business/Commerce, Accounting, and Animal Sciences. The school was recently named the No. 4 Best Bachelor’s College by Washington Monthly for its liberal arts focus. Programs emphasize hands-on learning, aligning with the school’s work-education model—students split time between classes and campus jobs. Notably, 16% of graduates major in Accounting, while Health Sciences and Animal Sciences round out the most popular fields.

Life here is strictly regimented: no alcohol, drugs, or smoking, and dorm life is mandatory for 93% of students. Traditions like lip-sync battles and intramural sports (flag football, softball) dominate the social scene, all framed by a strong Christian and patriotic culture. The campus vibe is wholesome but spirited, with events like 'The Catwalk' fostering community. Instagram reels showcase students playing intramurals with 'integrity and effort'—a nod to the school’s values.

The 4-year graduation rate is 49%, and median earnings six years post-graduation sit at $36,507—below national averages for similar colleges. While the 'graduate debt-free' promise holds (thanks to the work program), early-career salaries lag, averaging $29,000, roughly $10K lower than peers. U.S. News highlights the school’s strength in social mobility, but the trade-off is clear: you’ll leave without loans, but likely with a modest paycheck.

The sticker price—$36,182 for tuition and fees, $9,762 for room/board—is misleading. Thanks to the work-study program, 87% of students receive aid, slashing the average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. to $1,500. The Tuition Assurance Scholarship covers tuition only (not housing or books), but the real draw is the no-debt guarantee: 15 hours of weekly labor (campus jobs like farming or baking) covers costs entirely.

This isn’t just a college—it’s a ideological boot camp. Between mandatory work, chapel attendance, and a ban on vaping, it’s a throwback to 1950s Americana. The trade-offs are stark: freedom for frugality, partying for patriotism. But for students who buy into its vision—'Christ-like character, hard work, and patriotism'—it’s one of the few places where you can earn a degree without owing a dime.