University of the Ozarks
University of the Ozarks is a private nonprofit university in Clarksville, AR ranked #1130 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 767 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 59.5%. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Public Health.
Day to day, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 68.6% first-year retention, and 51.5% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $17,360, about $362 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -45.8%, roughly 131.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $37,651. That's about $6,037 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of the Ozarks Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of the Ozarks graduates 51.5% of students within six years and keeps 68.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of the Ozarks's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
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 | $25,950 |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,603 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,592 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $38,666 |
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
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 39.8% of University of the Ozarks students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $14,664 to $22,836 depending on family income. Use University of the Ozarks's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,632/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $22,836/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $37,651
- 10-Year Median Earnings $37,651
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $11,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 59.0%
- Employment Rate 90.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of the Ozarks 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.
University of the Ozarks vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of the Ozarks's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of the Ozarks's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of the Ozarks graduates earn $37,651 median, the -45.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 530-590
- SAT Math 490-570
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 20-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 767
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 68.6%
- Graduation Rate 51.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into University of the Ozarks
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of the Ozarks 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 59.5%, University of the Ozarks 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 59.5% acceptance rate, University of the Ozarks is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020 and 1160 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of the Ozarks undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Public Health, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 23.7%
- Public Health 15.1%
- Biology, General 10.8%
- Psychology, General 7.2%
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 4.3%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 4.3%
See more majors
- Fine and Studio Arts 3.6%
- Communication and Media Studies 2.9%
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. Business Administration, Management and Operations $35,373
- 2. Public Health $32,564
- 3. Biology, General $27,992
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $35,373—26% more than Biology, General ($27,992). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of the Ozarks. 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
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 33 graduates)
- Public Health (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 10 graduates)
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degree, 6 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 (22 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Public Health
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Political Science and Government
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Mathematics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Music
- History
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 767
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.2%
- Female Students 55.8%
- Caucasian 43.5%
- Asian 0.9%
- Hispanic 13.7%
- Black 6.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 39.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of the Ozarks's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of the Ozarks's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of the Ozarks support students from different economic backgrounds?
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 University of the Ozarks, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of the Ozarks has a diverse student body, with 43.5% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of the Ozarks support students from different economic backgrounds?
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 University of the Ozarks, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of the Ozarks offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -45.8% ROI. Ranked #1130 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $17,360 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $37,651 median earnings. With 51.5% graduating within six years and 68.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: University of the Ozarks's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1130 ranking, University of the Ozarks competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $17,360 annually, University of the Ozarks charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 68.6% 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 $12,152 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -45.8% ROI and $37,651 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $7,360+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of the Ozarks ranks #1130 of 1942 institutions, with 918 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
- 51.5% six-year graduation rate sits 11.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 68.6% first-year retention is 8.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -45.8% return on investment is 131.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $37,651 run about 14% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $17,360 is roughly $2,658 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 68.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.4% employment rate within three years sits 22.2 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- 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
EDsmart rates University of the Ozarks—a private nonprofit university in Clarksville, AR—at B- overall. It is currently ranked #1130 nationally 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.
Student momentum is strong: 68.6% retention and 51.5% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -45.8% for this program.
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 $17,360 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $38,666.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $21,306 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 39.8% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $37,651 six years after entry. This is roughly 14% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 90.4%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -45.8%, 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
59.5% 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 University of the Ozarks 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.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Arkansas campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Clarksville, AR 72830
- Website ozarks.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$133.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.8%