Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Point Lookout, Missouri
14.9% Acceptance Rate
College of the Ozarks — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
14.9%Acceptance Rate
3.71Avg GPA
1125Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$32,262Annual Cost
$41,592Grad Salary
43.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
14.9%
Avg GPA
3.71
Avg SAT
1125
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Extremely Competitive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1063–1305
ACT Middle 50%
20–25
Need-Based Aid
43.6% receive Pell
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 leading universities in the USA. It is extremely competitive to gain admission to. The acceptance rate of College of the Ozarks is 14.9%. This means that only 15 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
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.
Selectivity at a Glance
Extremely Competitive
Selectivity scale: Extremely Competitive — 14.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
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.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.71 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.51 – 3.70
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.26
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
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 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.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.91-4.11 for this same academic profile.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.
Check Your Admission Chances at College of the Ozarks
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on College of the Ozarks's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
College of the Ozarks Test Requirements
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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into College of the Ozarks Without SAT or ACT?
College of the Ozarks requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test multiple times to improve their scores.
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
SAT 1125 — Less Competitive
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, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at College of the Ozarks. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
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
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes College of the Ozarks slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do 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?
A 25 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at College of the Ozarks — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at College of the Ozarks use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that College of the Ozarks — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether College of the Ozarks uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 25 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for College of the Ozarks
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.
Cultivate an Academic 'Spike'
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.
Intellectual Vitality
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
The 'Uncommon' Essay
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Impact-Based Leadership
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Expert Warning: Avoid 'resume padding' in your final two years. Elite committees are trained to spot activities joined solely for the sake of the application.
College of the Ozarks Profile
Full Name
College of the Ozarks
City
Point Lookout
State
Missouri
ZIP Code
65726-0017
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a College of the Ozarks Degree 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 $46,800 and the graduate 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 $32,262. 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.
43.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 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 does a College of the Ozarks Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $41,592. 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 $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
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 | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, 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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | 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, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
Degree Programs at College of the Ozarks
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by College of the Ozarks →
Frequently Asked Questions About College of the Ozarks Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $41,592 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $32,262 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
43.6% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of College of the Ozarks is 14.9% which is low, typically between 10% and 20%. Admission is very competitive, and a strong academic profile is necessary.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.71. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
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 are 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.
If your GPA is 3.31 or less, it may make 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.