Learning Through Work 

At College of the Ozarks, students don’t just prepare for the future — they work toward it. Through the Work Education Program, every full-time student serves in a campus workstation while earning valuable experience and helping make a debt-free education possible. 

This distinctive model reflects the College’s Vocational Pillar: developing strong character, practical skills, and a commitment to excellence through meaningful work. It is this blend of learning and labor that has earned the College its nickname, “Hard Work U.” 

How the Work Education Program Works 

All full-time students participate in the Work Education Program as part of their education. 

Students: 

• Work 15 hours per week during the academic year 

• Serve in more than 100 campus workstations 

• Complete two 40-hour work weeks during academic breaks 

• May work additional weeks in the summer to help cover room and board 

Workstations include academic departments, student services, campus operations, and campus industries. These roles allow students to gain practical skills while contributing to the daily work of the College. 

This program is not optional. It is an integral part of the College’s mission to educate the whole person — head, heart, and hands. 

Tuition Assurance 

Every full-time student at College of the Ozarks receives a Tuition Assurance scholarship, meaning students do not pay tuition for their academic coursework. 

Through the Work Education Program, students help cover the cost of this Tuition Assurance by working each week in a campus workstation. Combined with scholarships and grants, this model allows students to graduate without student loan debt. 

Tuition Assurance covers the cost of academic instruction and does not include room and board, books, or fees. 

Work Education Purpose 

Our Work Education Program advances the College’s Christ-centered mission by uniting faith with work, service, and learning to: 

• Enable students to actively contribute toward their educational expenses, helping them graduate debt-free 

• Provide purposeful work and service-learning experiences that develop a strong work ethic, practical skills, and Christlike character 

• Support the College’s operations and ministries through student labor that embodies faithful vocation and prepares graduates to serve and shape culture for Christ in their professions and communities 

More Than Work-Study 

Unlike traditional work-study programs, the Work Education Program is central to the College’s educational model. 

Students are: 

• Given real responsibility 

• Held to professional standards 

• Evaluated on both academic and work performance 

• Prepared for life beyond graduation 

Work performance is recorded alongside academic achievement, reflecting the College’s emphasis on responsibility, effort, and accountability. 

Enriching Your Education 

Through their workstation experience, students develop: 

• Strong work ethic 

• Communication and teamwork skills 

• Time management and responsibility 

• Pride in quality work 

As students grow, work assignments may align more closely with academic and career goals, providing hands-on preparation for the future. 

Preparing Students for Life After College 

Graduates leave College of the Ozarks with: 

• A degree earned without student loan debt 

• Practical work experience 

• A foundation of faith and character 

• Confidence to serve in their careers and communities 

Employers value the maturity, professionalism, and work ethic of College of the Ozarks graduates. 

A Defining Part of Who We Are 

At College of the Ozarks, work is not simply a requirement. It is part of the College’s mission to shape lives of purpose and service. 

Through the Vocational Pillar, students learn that opportunity is something they can earn, steward, and use to serve others.