College of the Ozarks, established in 1906, is a distinctive Christian work college in Point Lookout, Missouri, where all full-time students work campus jobs to cover tuition costs. Known as 'Hard Work U,' the college combines rigorous academics with its work education program, offering degrees in fields like agriculture, business, and education. The college's patriotic emphasis includes mandatory ROTC for men and patriotic education programs. The 1,000-acre campus features a working farm, dairy, and other student-run enterprises.
College of the Ozarks' commitment to character education includes its patriotic themes and Christian values. The college's Keeter Center, operated by students, is a premier conference facility and hotel. With no student loans and a focus on service, the college prepares graduates for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. Alumni enter careers in education, ministry, agriculture, and business with a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.
College of the Ozarks Acceptance Rate
College of the Ozarks is one of the most selective universities in the USA. With an acceptance rate of 14.87%, the institution utilizes a Holistic Review process to identify students with exceptional intellectual depth.
Admissions Guidelines
- Elite Standards: Admitted students typically rank in the top 2-5% of their high school class.
- Curriculum Rigor: AP, IB, or Honors courses are essential to validate academic readiness.
- Character & Impact: Beyond grades, leadership, research, and unique 'spikes' in extracurriculars drive decisions.
At this level of selectivity, meeting average GPA and test scores is considered the 'baseline.' Because College of the Ozarks values intellectual curiosity, your supplemental essays and personal recommendations are critical in distinguishing your application from thousands of other high-achieving candidates.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
College of the Ozarks Admission Requirements
College of the Ozarks GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at College of the Ozarks is 3.71. College of the Ozarks is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.41 and 3.71, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
College of the Ozarks GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at College of the Ozarks utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.71, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.71 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.51 – 3.70 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.31 – 3.50 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.30 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At College of the Ozarks, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
College of the Ozarks SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
College of the Ozarks Average SAT Score: 1125
The average SAT score of the admitted students at College of the Ozarks is 1125 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1125 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1305 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. College of the Ozarks allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1063, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to College of the Ozarks. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 582 | 518 | 645 |
| SAT Reading | 603 | 545 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1125 | 1063 | 1305 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1063 then you are below most of the admitted students at College of the Ozarks and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1305 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into College of the Ozarks with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at College of the Ozarks are good but the admission staff at College of the Ozarks tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
College of the Ozarks ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at College of the Ozarks is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes College of the Ozarks slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 23 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 18 | 24 |
| ACT English | 23 | 20 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 20 | 25 |
Can I get into College of the Ozarks with a 25 ACT?
With a 25 ACT Score, your chances of admission at College of the Ozarks are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 23.College of the Ozarks Profile
Name: College of the Ozarks
City: Point Lookout
URL: www.cofo.edu/
State: Missouri
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 65726-0017
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Elite Strategy: The 'Spike' Approach
To be successful at a world-class institution like College of the Ozarks, you must move beyond being 'well-rounded' and demonstrate that you are institutionally necessary.
Elite schools favor 'pointy' students; those who are world-class in one niche. Achieve national-level recognition or produce original research rather than joining ten generic clubs.
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Does a degree from College of the Ozarks Worth It?
Getting into College of the Ozarks can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. College of the Ozarks offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at College of the Ozarks is USD: 46804.8 and unemployment rate is 3.27%.
How much does a degree from College of the Ozarks Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at College of the Ozarks is USD: 32262. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at College of the Ozarks is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
43.64% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 0 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to College of the Ozarks and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At College of the Ozarks, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist College of the Ozarks as your choice in the form.
How much a College of the Ozarks Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 41592. An average College of the Ozarks graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than College of the Ozarks. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Grand Canyon University, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | University of the Ozarks, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Fort Lewis College, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| University of Northern Colorado | University of Northern Colorado, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | Central Connecticut State University, CT | 1091 | 24 |
| University of Saint Joseph | University of Saint Joseph, CT | 1100 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as College of the Ozarks. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than College of the Ozarks. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1155 | 22 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Animal Sciences
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions About College of the Ozarks Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $41592 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $32262 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of College of the Ozarks is 14.87 which is low, typically between 10% and 20%. Admission is very competitive, and a strong academic profile is necessary.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.71. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.41, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.41, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.41 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.31 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to College of the Ozarks if my GPA is below 3.31
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.71, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to College of the Ozarks is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1125 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1063-1305
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by College of the Ozarks.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.