
Ozark, MOprivate nonprofitevangel.edu
Evangel University-James River Assembly of God Church is a small, faith-driven institution in Ozark, Missouri, where spiritual formation is as central as academic rigor. With a 71-74% acceptance rate and a tight-knit campus culture built around chapel services and Christian community, it attracts students seeking a values-aligned education—though its $45K+ sticker price demands serious financial planning.
Evangel’s admissions process is moderately selective, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering between 71-74% across recent data. The school admitted 94 of 132 applicants in 2023, per Data USA, while College Scorecard and CollegeRaptor peg the rate at 74%. Test scores are optional but submitted by a minority of applicants: SAT ranges fall between 720-1030 (with subscores of 370-510 Verbal and 350-520 Math), while ACT data is sparse. Notably, the university charges no application fee for undergrads or grad students. Fall 2025 set an enrollment record with 2,741 students—a 4.6% increase and the fifth straight year of growth.
Evangel bills itself as an 'accredited, liberal arts university' with programs 'on the cutting edge of today’s professional fields,' emphasizing the integration of faith and learning. While specific majors aren’t detailed in the available sources, the curriculum clearly prioritizes Christian worldview integration across disciplines. Reviews suggest a supportive academic environment, though the lack of published student-faculty ratios or standout program rankings hints at a more teaching-focused than research-driven model.
Spiritual rhythms define campus life: students attend 100+ chapel services over four years, alongside 'thousands of prayers' and tight-knit communal worship. The student handbook frames these practices as 'essential boundary markers' for personal growth. Housing details are scarce, but the vibe leans toward intentional Christian living—Facebook posts highlight 'worship and community together' as pillars. Expect a culture where faith permeates dorm life, extracurriculars, and even casual interactions.
Graduates earn a median $36,427 one year post-degree—likely reflecting the school’s emphasis on ministry and service-oriented careers. US News & World Report recognizes Evangel as a 'Top Performer in Social Mobility,' suggesting it effectively supports lower-income students’ graduation and employment. Hard data on job placement rates or grad school attendance is absent, but the social mobility nod implies strong institutional support for upward trajectory.
The sticker price is steep at $45,472 annually, but Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculators and aid packages likely soften the blow for many. Financial aid resources emphasize scholarships and grants over loans—unsurprising for a faith-based institution. Prospective students should run the net price calculator early, as the gap between listed tuition and actual cost appears significant for those qualifying for aid.
Evangel carves a niche for students seeking relentless integration of faith and academics—chapel isn’t an afterthought here, it’s the heartbeat. The 74% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. makes it accessible, but the real filter is ideological: this is for those who want prayer as part of their chemistry lab prep. While not a heavyweight in national rankings, its social mobility recognition proves it delivers on the promise of uplift for believers from modest means.