University of the Ozarks
University of the Ozarks — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of the Ozarks at a Glance
University of the Ozarks is a private university in Clarksville, Arkansas, United States. Enrollment averages around 900 students, representing 25 countries. U of O is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
1834
192 years old
$149M
$148.7 million (2025)
872
52
Identity
Is University of the Ozarks Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, University of the Ozarks is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,384 — 17% below average — while paying $17,360/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 52% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of the Ozarks has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of the Ozarks compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in AR
Ranked #19 of 76 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #5 | Wesleyan College | 43 | $12,724 | $44,317 |
| #6 | Boricua College | 43 | $15,245 | $35,348 |
| #19 | University of the Ozarks | 33 | $17,360 | $44,384 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of the Ozarks's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in AR.
Best Programs at University of the Ozarks
Program-level earnings data isn't available for University of the Ozarks. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,360/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in AR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Clarksville, AR
- Student Body
- 767 students
- Admission Rate
- 60%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,360
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,384
- Median Student Debt
- $20,875