Financial Need

The mission of our unique institution focuses on providing a Christian education to those who are found worthy but lack the means to obtain such training. At College of the Ozarks, we're looking for high-achieving and hard-working students who don’t have the financial resources to pay for a private, Christian college education. These students impact the world! You might be a good candidate for admission if you fit that bill!

Students must be at least 17 years old by the first day of Character Camp (new student orientation) of the semester they are applying. 

90% of each entering class must demonstrate financial need. The financial need requirement is waived for 10% of each entering class.

College of the Ozarks provides financial aid through student participation in C of O’s work-study program, grants for college a student might receive, and primarily from the C of O Tuition Assurance Scholarship. The College discourages student debt. Our students have the opportunity to graduate debt-free.

Academic Ability

In addition to demonstrating financial need, prospective students should be in the top half of their graduating class with a preferred high school GPA of at least 3.0. They should also seek to obtain our preferred score of at least 20 on the ACT or a 1030 on the SAT. Most of our students' grades and test scores are well above these standards.

We pay particular attention not only to these grading and testing factors, but also to the types of courses taken in high school and their levels of difficulty. It is to your advantage in the admissions process to have above average grades, especially in English classes. The College provides scholarships to every student admitted; and it is important that the College invest its resources in students who have a track record of success in their academic experiences.

Student On-Campus/off-campus Residence Requirements

All unmarried students are required to live on campus. After the first year at the College, students may be considered for off-campus status (commuting) if:

  • They live with parents/legal guardians (within 40 miles of the College) and demonstrate a significant financial need
  • They are married (living within forty miles of the College)
  • They are Veterans of the armed services (living within forty miles of the College)

Exceptions to the first-year, on-campus living policy are considered for Veterans of the armed services.

Students are reminded that there is a maximum number of commuting positions available. Priority is given to students who are student teaching or completing nursing preceptorships outside the forty-mile distance of the College.