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Ozark Christian College

Joplin, MO | Private Nonprofit | College

Ozark Christian College is a private nonprofit university in Joplin, MO ranked #761 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 602 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 93.6%. Students most often pursue Bible/Biblical Studies and Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology.

Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, 893.6% first-year retention, and 63.6% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.

Families typically invest $20,580, about $3,582 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -60.5%, roughly 145.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $32,528. That's about $11,160 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

B
Ranking
#761 of 6,101
How We Rank Schools Small campus feel

Ozark Christian College has an acceptance rate of 93.6%, annual tuition of $16,000, average net price of $20,580, and a national rank of #761 (Grade B), with a 63.6% six-year graduation rate, about 602 undergraduates, and median earnings of $32,528 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.

At a Glance
Ranking
#761 of 6,101 (Top 12.5%)
Tuition
$16,000
Net Price
$20,580
4-Year Tuition
$64,000
Acceptance Rate
93.6%
Transfer Rate
19.7%
Student Population
602
Student-Faculty
17:1
Graduation Rate
63.6%
Retention Rate
893.6%
6-Yr Earnings
$32,528
ROI
-60.5%

Who is Ozark Christian College Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

First-gen or Pell-eligible support
Learners who value a tight-knit campus
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#761 of 6,101
Top 12.5% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
60.9 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
3.04 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
B+
#533 of 6,101
Affordability
B
#807 of 6,101
Support
B
#941 of 6,101
Career Outcomes
B-
#1,391 of 6,101

Ozark Christian College graduates 63.6% of students within six years and keeps 83.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$17,900-$22,451 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Likely
63.6% finish within six years. 40.3% complete in four years.
What are job outcomes?
Highly likely
87.1% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $32,528. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Ozark Christian College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$113,940
$28,485 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$92,610
$20,580 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 40.3% | 6-Year Rate: 63.6%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 40.3% and six-year completion is 63.6%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$28,485
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$20,580
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $16,000
Books and Supplies $800
On-Campus Room and Board $9,070
On-Campus Other Expenses $3,182
Total On-Campus Cost $28,485

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
42.5%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 42.5% of Ozark Christian College students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$17,900
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$15,098
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$19,463
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$21,083
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$22,451
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,900 to $22,451 depending on family income. Use Ozark Christian College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$80,550
$30K-$48K families
~$67,941
$48K-$75K families
~$87,584
$75K-$110K families
~$94,874
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,083/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $22,451/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
-60.5%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $32,528
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $32,528
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $9,784
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 65.0%
  • Employment Rate 87.1%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Ozark Christian College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $32,528 six years after enrollment — roughly 26% below the national median.
Payback Period
2.85 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Ozark Christian College vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Ozark Christian College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Ozark Christian College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: While Ozark Christian College graduates earn $32,528 median, the -60.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
93.6%
Lightly Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
  • SAT Math Not reported
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACTNot required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 602
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate 83.5%
  • Graduation Rate 63.6%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1

How to Get Into Ozark Christian College

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Ozark Christian College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 93.6%, Ozark Christian College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 93.6% acceptance rate, Ozark Christian College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Ozark Christian College undergraduates. Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Bible/Biblical Studies, and Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology draw the most students.

  • Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries 47.8%
  • Bible/Biblical Studies 31.9%
  • Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology 11.5%
  • Theological and Ministerial Studies 5.3%
  • Religious Music and Worship 2.7%
  • Religious Institution Administration and Law 0.9%
See more majors
  • American Sign Language 0.0%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Bible/Biblical Studies $40,703
  • 2. Bible/Biblical Studies $23,890
  • 3. Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology $21,498

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Bible/Biblical Studies grads earn $40,703—89% more than Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology ($21,498). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Ozark Christian College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Bachelor's Degree, 54 graduates)
  • Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Associate's Degree, 24 graduates)
  • Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology (Bachelor's Degree, 13 graduates)
  • Theological and Ministerial Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 6 graduates)
  • Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology (Associate's Degree, 4 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (5 programs)
  • Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
  • Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
  • Theological and Ministerial Studies
  • Religious/Sacred Music
  • Religious Institution Administration and Law

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 602
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 53.2%
  • Female Students 46.8%
  • Caucasian 82.4%
  • Asian 1.3%
  • Hispanic 5.5%
  • Black 1.7%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 42.5%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Ozark Christian College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Ozark Christian College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Ozark Christian College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
60.0%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
74.0%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
14.0 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Ozark Christian College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: The student body is 82.4% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Ozark Christian College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
60.0%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
74.0%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
14.0 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Ozark Christian College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Ozark Christian College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -60.5% ROI. Ranked #761 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.

The $20,580 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $32,528 median earnings. With 63.6% graduating within six years and 83.5% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.

Private University Value: Ozark Christian College's Positioning

With a B grade and #761 ranking, Ozark Christian College competes in the crowded regional private university market.

The Private University Premium: At $20,580 annually, Ozark Christian College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 83.5% retention rate suggests students value this environment.

Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $14,406 achieve particularly strong value.

Cost-Benefit Reality: The -60.5% ROI and $32,528 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $10,580+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.

Competitive Standing: Ozark Christian College ranks #761 of 6101 institutions, with 1385 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • 63.6% six-year graduation rate sits 1.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 83.5% first-year retention is 6.7 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
  • -60.5% return on investment is 145.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $32,528 run about 26% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $20,580 is roughly $3,183 higher than the national median of $17,397.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 83.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 87.1% employment rate within three years sits 18.9 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $20,580 is about $3,183 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

Ozark Christian College is a private nonprofit university based in Joplin, MO and earns a B overall grade. It stands at #761 among 6101 schools Completion earns B+, Support B, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B.

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

About 83.5% of first-year students return, and roughly 63.6% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -60.5%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $20,580 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,485.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,905 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $9,784 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 42.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Median earnings come in near $32,528 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 26% lower.

Roughly 87.1% of graduates are employed three years out.

EDsmart lists the ROI at -60.5%, offering a quick read on value.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

93.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Ozark Christian College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
3.04 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Ozark Christian College stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Ozark Christian College Website →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ozark Christian College's acceptance rate?

Ozark Christian College's acceptance rate is 93.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.

How much does Ozark Christian College cost?

At Ozark Christian College, listed tuition and fees are $16,000 per year, and the average net price after aid is $20,580. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is Ozark Christian College's ranking?

Ozark Christian College ranks #761 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is Ozark Christian College's graduation rate?

At Ozark Christian College, the six-year graduation rate is 63.6%, and first-year retention is 893.6%.

What are Ozark Christian College's job outcomes?

Graduates of Ozark Christian College report median earnings of $32,528 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is Ozark Christian College's student population?

Ozark Christian College enrolls about 602 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
  • Endowment$5.1M
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate19.7%

Data Source & Methodology