College of the Ozarks (C of O)

Students who attend the College of Ozarks leave feeling academically, spiritually, and monetarily richer, thanks to the solid scholastic programs, Christian beliefs, and "the biggest strength ... [getting] to graduate debt-free." Consensus is that having a combination of scholarships and a work program that requires all undergrads to hold a campus job is a "huge asset" because it fosters a "unique sense of community" and ensures that students have real-world experience: "I personally have jumped around and gained a variety of skills that I can add to my résumé." These benefits do come with a measure of strictness in terms of a dress code and curfew, but attendees largely agree that these make "the work ethic of the student body unbelievable. As a whole, we are unmatched." They're also balanced with the school's Christian background, which "does an amazing job at creating a wonderful environment to grow our relationship with God."

Undergrads are quick to praise their "extremely knowledgeable" professors, and the way in which they can bring "topics to life" and "easily connect with the students." Plus, "most professors have found a strong balance between discussion and lecture to create a positive environment and promote student interaction." Though some undergrads do caution that the "classes and academics are rigorous," they emphasize that "professors do everything they can to help students succeed." That interaction goes a long way: "They have prompted [me] to grow in my writing and analytical skills, and have enriched my understanding of the world."

A sense of community permeates the College of Ozarks' campus and it's easy to understand why. As one junior explains, "We definitely have a relatively small student body here, which makes everyone feel like family." This runs deeper than casual kindness: "People here are genuinely concerned about you; they take five minutes of their day to listen to you and give advice." One area that could stand a little improvement is diversity, with some undergrads acknowledging that the "student body is fairly homogeneous" and mainly hails from "in/around the Ozarks region." However, they also highlight the fact that the school "has its fair sprinkling of international, transfer, and non-traditional students." Of course, no matter where they're from, the vast majority are "Christians who... desire to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ." Most importantly, they tend to lead with kindness and are quick to "open doors, walk people back to dorms, and frequently donate time or money." As one senior sums up, "My peers are so life-giving. We laugh, cry, and learn to be better people together."

College of the Ozarks certainly lives up to its nickname, "Hard Work U." Not only are students "very devoted to their studies," they also work "15 hours a week on campus" at one of over 80 work stations. Job placements are wide-ranging and include the Print Shop, the Power Plant, and the school radio station, KCOZ. Of course, these industrious undergrads still manage to make time for extracurriculars, from the "pretty popular" worship nights to intramurals that range from seasons of classic sports and tournaments "between dorm buildings" to "a disc golf team...with a huge course going throughout the campus." Additionally, the Student Union "does a great job of putting on different activities," including the highly anticipated Mudfest, an annual game of tug-of-war over a mud pit. For more relaxing fare, students flock to events where they can indulge in "free coffee, treats, and live music." It's also just as common to find undergrads taking advantage of their beautiful surroundings. This often entails "hammocking,...having picnics, [or simply] strolling around campus." Best of all, your walk can take you right to the school's dairy: "You can go there anytime to pet and feed the calves." One thing students feel worth emphasizing is that all of this is "good, clean, real fun," thanks to a "zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol."