Skip to content

Missouri Southern State University vs College of the Ozarks

Missouri Southern State University is a public university in Joplin, MO, and College of the Ozarks is a private college in Point Lookout, MO. College of the Ozarks is the more selective of the two, admitting about 12% of applicants against 97% at Missouri Southern State University. College of the Ozarks is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $6,100 a year against $12,007 at Missouri Southern State University. About 62% of students graduate at College of the Ozarks, compared with 40% at Missouri Southern State University. Ten years after enrolling, Missouri Southern State University alumni earn a median of about $42,620, against $41,592 for College of the Ozarks.

Missouri Southern State University

Joplin, MO · Public

College of the Ozarks

Point Lookout, MO · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Joplin, MO
Point Lookout, MO
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,019
1,444
Acceptance rate
97%
12%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.37–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1150–1420
1050–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
20–25
Test policy
Required
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,007
$6,100
Full cost / yr
$19,568
$33,734
In-state tuition
$8,960
$22,320
Out-of-state tuition
$17,080
$22,320
Application fee
$35
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,759
$6,381
$30k - $48k
$10,132
$6,140
$48k - $75k
$11,233
$5,022
$75k - $110k
$14,578
$6,409
Over $110k
$15,083
$10,426
Outcomes
Graduation rate
40%
62%
Freshman retention
63%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,866
$36,507
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,620
$41,592
Median debt at graduation
$19,174
Not reported
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
49%
First-generation students
45%
33%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Dec 31

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Missouri Southern State University or College of the Ozarks harder to get into?
College of the Ozarks is harder to get into. It admits about 12% of applicants, compared with 97% at Missouri Southern State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Missouri Southern State University or College of the Ozarks?
College of the Ozarks is cheaper on average. Students pay about $6,100 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $12,007 at Missouri Southern State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Missouri Southern State University and College of the Ozarks?
Before aid, Missouri Southern State University costs about $19,568 a year and College of the Ozarks about $33,734. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Missouri Southern State University or College of the Ozarks?
College of the Ozarks. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,381 there, against about $9,759 at Missouri Southern State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Missouri Southern State University or College of the Ozarks?
Missouri Southern State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,019 undergraduates against 1,444 at College of the Ozarks.
Does Missouri Southern State University or College of the Ozarks have a better graduation rate?
College of the Ozarks has the higher graduation rate, at about 62% against 40% at Missouri Southern State University.
Do graduates of Missouri Southern State University or College of the Ozarks earn more?
Missouri Southern State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $42,620 ten years after enrolling, against about $41,592 for College of the Ozarks. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Missouri Southern State University and College of the Ozarks require SAT or ACT scores?
Missouri Southern State University requires SAT or ACT scores. College of the Ozarks requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Missouri Southern State University and College of the Ozarks look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1150–1420 at Missouri Southern State University and 1050–1220 at College of the Ozarks. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school