Academics
A “private Christian college” in Missouri, College of the Ozarks is an institution where students quickly learn “the value of hard work.” This is in large part due to the school’s “work education program” which “allows student[s] to learn [a] trade or profession...[as they work] to pay off tuition.” This enables undergrads to finish college debt free. Certainly, the focus at COFO isn’t merely on the jobs students must hold; academics still take center stage here. And be forewarned that they are “rigorous.” Luckily, undergrads report that their professors are “passionate about their subjects and genuinely want students to learn and excel in their classes.” What’s more, they “seek to have interaction in the classroom and highly encourage student participation.” Even better, professors here “are always available after class and willing to help tutor a student if they need extra help.” Aside from their regular coursework, COFO also offers students some really unique educational opportunities. For instance, “there is a program called the Patriotic Travel Program, and it [allows] students...to travel with a Veteran to a battle or war site, and learn [about] what happened there.” Such programs truly bolster classroom learning and make for a richer educational experience.
Student Body
Given the “small campus environment,” it’s not surprising that College of the Ozarks is the kind of school where you see “a lot of familiar faces...every day.” Fortunately, most students report that those very faces are quite “welcoming and supportive.” Of course, it likely helps that many undergrads have similar upbringings. After all, a vast majority are “native to the Ozark region,” “from an agricultural background,” and “Republican.” Many were also “homeschoolers and missionary kids before they attended COFO.” Additionally, students here are united in their shared “Christian values and ethics [as well as their] determination to succeed in both work and school.” It probably also doesn’t hurt that many COFO students “are fans of country music and Kansas City or St. Louis sports teams.” Perhaps more importantly, undergrads are eager to mention that their peers are very “driven” and extremely “busy.” As one hardworking student shares, “It’s not uncommon for students here, including myself, to work three jobs, adding up to well over 40 hours per week.” Indeed, “they take their education seriously while still being able to enjoy their time at school.” Finally, as one happy undergrad sums up, “You can pick out a CofO student from the crowd...because they stand out. [They’re] always willing to go the extra mile, and accomplish their goals.”
Campus Life
There’s no denying that undergrads at COFO lead busy lives. To begin with, beyond attending classes, all students “work fifteen hours on campus each week.” Additionally, undergrads are “required to attend convocations and chapel.” Thankfully, despite all their obligations, these students still manage to find time to kick back, relax and enjoy campus life. And that’s great because there’s a lot of fun to be had. For example, the “Student Union [hosts] a lot of...activities, like the Sadie Hawkins dance, Homecoming festivities, and Coffee House events with live music.” Undergrads also love participating in “Mud-fest (a game of tug-of-war), the Games (dormitory teams competing in fun athletic activities)...[and fall] bon-fire events.” There are also plenty of great options for outdoor enthusiasts. Indeed, people frequently “go swimming at the lake when it’s warm, cliff dive, and play volleyball. There are a lot of great trails around for students to walk and bike, as well.” Many students are also “involved in intramural sports, such as ultimate frisbee and volleyball.” And individuals passionate about performing will be delighted to learn that “the theatre department puts on plays every so often, and [the] concert band, jazz band, chapel choir and chorale perform regular concerts.” However, those looking for a party scene—beware. COFO is “really strict about alcohol even if you are over 21.”
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