Point Lookout, MO · Private University
Is College of the Ozarks Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$41,592
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$21,290
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,290
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$85,160
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.95x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
12.9 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
61.3%
6-year graduation rate
Avg Net Price
$7,669
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
College of the Ozarks graduates earn $3,408 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at College of the Ozarks ranked by graduate earnings
24 graduates
48 graduates
20 graduates
28 graduates
16 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at College of the Ozarks
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $50,981 | 2.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $47,444 | 2.2x |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $41,813 | 2.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $33,654 | 1.6x |
| Social Work(1yr data) | $32,701 | 1.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $29,311 | 1.4x |
| Psychology, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $24,860 | 1.2x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
College of the Ozarks offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $41,592 10 years after starting, $3,408 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 12.9 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.