Ozark Christian College
Acceptance rate
93.6%
2025
Peer median 81.8%
Tuition per year
$16,000
$25,070 with room and board
Peer median $11,500
Undergraduates
610
Student-faculty ratio 17:1
Peer median 12 : 1
Graduation rate
29.1%
4-year; 6-year rate 50.9%
Peer median 5.7%
“Peers” are all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Ozark Christian College, located in Joplin, Missouri, is a private Christian institution dedicated to providing quality education rooted in biblical teachings. Established in 1942, the college has a rich history of fostering spiritual growth alongside academic excellence. One of the defining features of Ozark Christian College is its commitment to preparing students for various forms of ministry, equipping them with both theological knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective service in church and community settings. The college offers a range of undergraduate programs, including degrees in Biblical Studies, Ministry, and Counseling, all designed to nurture the spiritual and intellectual development of its students.
The college's mission is encapsulated in its motto, "Education for a Life of Ministry," reflecting its focus on the integration of faith and learning. The campus culture is vibrant and supportive, emphasizing community and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. Students enjoy a range of extracurricular activities, including various clubs, sports, and service opportunities that help them grow socially and spiritually. Additionally, the college boasts modern facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, a library, and recreation areas, enhancing the overall learning experience. With a strong emphasis on student life and engagement, Ozark Christian College prepares its graduates not only for successful careers but also for meaningful lives of service and leadership in their communities.
Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention at Ozark Christian College
Over the past decade, Ozark Christian College has experienced significant trends in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention. The tuition for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from approximately $11,040 in 2014 to $14,680 in 2023, marking a substantial rise of about 33% over this period. This trend reflects the broader national concern regarding the rising costs of higher education, which can deter prospective students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.
In terms of graduation rates, there has been a noticeable improvement in the timely graduation rate for undergraduates, which increased from about 14.5% in 2013 to approximately 23.1% in 2023. This positive shift suggests enhancements in academic support and resources, possibly contributing to better student outcomes. However, the overall graduation rates still indicate that a high percentage of students do not complete their degrees within a standard timeframe, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the institution.
Additionally, the retention rate has shown a remarkable increase, rising from approximately 73.6% in 2013 to 87.7% in 2023. This uptrend suggests that once students enroll at Ozark Christian College, they are increasingly likely to continue their studies. Improved retention rates can often be attributed to various factors, including better student engagement, support services, and an inclusive campus environment.
Overall, while the rising tuition remains a concern, the improvements in graduation and retention rates indicate that Ozark Christian College is making strides to enhance the student experience, which is essential for its long-term viability and reputation in the competitive landscape of higher education.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Small city
- Nearest major city
- Fayetteville, about 70 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL), about 100 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Christian Churches and Churches of Christ
- President
- Matthew Proctor (President)
- Phone
- 4176261234
- Address
- 1111 N Main St, Joplin, MO 64801
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 81.8% · all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 65.0%, women 68.6%.
Data insights
Admission Trends at Ozark Christian College
The admission data for Ozark Christian College reveals significant trends in both acceptance rates and enrollment figures over the years. In 2017, the college recorded a perfect acceptance rate for both male and female applicants, indicating a highly selective and accessible admission process. However, from 2018 onward, the rates began to fluctuate, reflecting a more competitive environment.
By 2020, the acceptance rates for males and females had dropped to approximately 65% and 69%, respectively, suggesting a shift towards a more stringent selection process. The data indicates that the college enrolled 183 students that year, highlighting its commitment to maintaining a robust student body despite the increased selectivity.
Interestingly, the acceptance rates stabilized in the following years, with both rates hovering around 98% in 2021 and 2022. This could reflect the college's strategic efforts to manage enrollment sizes while still attracting a diverse group of students. The number of deferrals also increased significantly, peaking at 209 in 2023, which may indicate external factors influencing students' decisions, such as the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education.
Overall, these trends highlight the dynamic nature of admissions at Ozark Christian College, influenced by both institutional goals and broader societal contexts. As the college navigates these changes, it will be crucial to balance accessibility with the quality of education offered, ensuring that it remains a desirable destination for prospective students.
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
Trends in Admissions Testing at Ozark Christian College
The data from Ozark Christian College presents an intriguing look at the admissions landscape over the years, particularly regarding standardized testing scores. Notably, information for the years 2007 through 2016 is not available, which limits the ability to analyze long-term trends. However, from 2017 onwards, we observe a gradual evolution in the college's admission metrics.
Starting in 2017, the SAT reading scores for the 25th percentile were recorded at 460, with a 75th percentile reaching 570. This pattern shows a significant variance in student achievement, indicating that while some students are performing well above average, others may be struggling. As we move through the subsequent years, the SAT reading scores have improved, peaking at a range of 530 to 620 in 2018, showcasing a positive trend in student preparedness.
The percentage of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, with notable highs and lows in the proportion of applicants. For instance, in 2020, 19% of applicants submitted SAT scores, which reflects a growing awareness of the importance of standardized testing in the college admissions process. This shift aligns with broader national trends where colleges are increasingly focusing on standardized test performance as a predictor of student success.
Overall, while the available data only provides a snapshot of recent years, it suggests that Ozark Christian College is actively engaging with the changing dynamics of college admissions. This includes recognizing the role that standardized testing plays in assessing student readiness and the need for continuous improvement in the academic profiles of incoming students. As educational standards evolve, it will be crucial for the institution to adapt its admission strategies accordingly to maintain its competitive edge.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 9 in 10
266 applicants in 2025, 93.6% admitted
249 admitted 17 not admitted Yield 59.4%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other · Master's32 (0% international)
- Bible/Biblical Studies · Master's12 (0% international)
- Divinity/Ministry · Master's6 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Ozark Christian College
The graduation data from Ozark Christian College reveals some insightful trends within its theology-related programs for 2023. One of the standout areas is the Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries program, which produced 47 graduates at the bachelor's level, constituting a significant portion of the total graduates in theology. This reflects the growing demand for skilled pastoral counselors, particularly given the increasing focus on mental health and spiritual guidance in contemporary society.
Conversely, many other programs, such as Church Planting and Missions Studies, only graduated a handful of students, indicating a potential gap in interest or resources dedicated to these specialized fields. For instance, the Church Planting program graduated just one student, which raises questions about the support and emphasis placed on such critical areas of ministry in today's rapidly changing religious landscape.
Interestingly, there were no graduates at the master's or doctoral levels across all programs, highlighting a potential challenge for the institution in attracting students to pursue advanced theological education. This could be indicative of broader trends in higher education where students may opt for more immediately applicable degrees or seek alternative pathways for their spiritual or professional development.
The presence of international students is minimal, as seen in the bachelor's program with only two graduates. This suggests that Ozark Christian College may need to enhance its global outreach strategies to attract a more diverse student body, which is essential in an increasingly interconnected world. Overall, the data underscores the importance of adapting educational offerings to meet both student interests and the evolving needs of ministry in society.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | $32,809 | |||
| Missions/Missionary Studies. | - | |||
| Worship Ministry. | - | |||
| Theology/Theological Studies. | - | |||
| Divinity/Ministry. | - | |||
| Pastoral Studies/Counseling. | $32,959 | |||
| Youth Ministry. | $32,959 | |||
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other. | $32,959 | |||
| Religious Institution Administration and Management. | - |
Students
736 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 53:47 · Freshman retention 83.4%
- Continuing undergraduates 412
- First-year undergraduates 143
- Graduate students 126
- Transfers and others 55
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (610)
Data insights
Student Demographics at Ozark Christian College in 2023
In 2023, Ozark Christian College showcased a diverse student body, reflected in the enrollment numbers of various categories of students. The college welcomed 147 new undergraduates, with a gender ratio that slightly favored female students at 53.7%. This trend contrasts with the continuing students, where males comprised 54.8% of the 405 enrolled. Such variations in gender ratios can often be indicative of broader societal trends in education, where female enrollment has been steadily increasing in many institutions across the country.
The transfer students number 45, where males accounted for 66.7%. This could suggest that males are more likely to transfer from other institutions, a trend that might be worth exploring further. Graduate students, though fewer in number at 81, exhibited a high male ratio of 69.1%. This phenomenon might reflect the gender dynamics in graduate-level programs, often dominated by males in certain fields, particularly in theological studies.
Racial diversity among the students also stands out, with white students making up significant portions of both new and continuing students. The representation of other racial groups, such as Asian, Latinx, and African descent, alongside international students, should be further analyzed to understand the college's commitment to inclusivity.
Overall, the data reflects a growing engagement of both genders in various academic levels at Ozark Christian College, alongside a need for continued efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within the student body, especially as college demographics evolve over time.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Ozark Christian College
The age composition of students at Ozark Christian College reflects a predominantly young demographic, typical for many undergraduate institutions. The majority of undergraduate males and females fall within the 18-19 age group, comprising over 40% of the total student population. This is indicative of a traditional college experience where students typically enter higher education immediately after high school.
As we analyze the progression into slightly older age brackets, we observe a decrease in the number of students. For instance, the 20-21 age category sees a significant number of both male and female undergraduates, but the numbers begin to dwindle in the 22-24 age group. This trend could suggest that as students progress, many either graduate or choose to pursue their studies elsewhere, possibly influenced by factors such as employment opportunities or financial considerations.
Interestingly, the graduate male population shows a notable presence among the 25-29 age group, which may imply that individuals are returning to education after gaining work experience. The presence of older students, particularly those aged 30 and above, remains minimal, revealing that the institution primarily caters to younger demographics.
In light of recent trends in higher education, institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of adult learners. With the ongoing push for lifelong learning and career advancement, Ozark Christian College may benefit from creating programs tailored to older students, thereby diversifying its age composition and enhancing its educational offerings. Overall, the data underscores the importance of understanding student demographics in shaping educational strategies and resources.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.
8 in 2025 · 1.9% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2023
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Ozark Christian College
The data on international student enrollment at Ozark Christian College reveals a fluctuating trend over the years, particularly among undergraduate students. Starting in 2004, the proportion of international students was relatively low at 1.91%, with only 16 international students enrolled among a total of 836 undergraduates. This percentage gradually increased to 3.28% in 2007, indicating a growing interest in the institution during that period. However, the subsequent years saw a decline, with notable drops in both the total number of undergraduate students and the percentage of international students.
By 2023, the percentage of international students among undergraduates was 1.97%, with only 12 international students enrolled out of 608 total undergraduates. This decline raises questions about the factors influencing international student recruitment at Ozark Christian College. It's important to consider the competitive landscape of higher education, where many institutions are vying for international talent.
Additionally, global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted student mobility, resulting in lower numbers of international students enrolling in institutions worldwide. As higher education institutions continue to adapt to these challenges, it will be crucial for Ozark Christian College to implement strategies that enhance its appeal to international students, including scholarships, outreach programs, and partnerships with global educational institutions.
Overall, while the data indicates challenges in maintaining a robust international student population, it also presents an opportunity for the college to reassess its recruitment strategies and cultivate a more diverse academic environment.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$25,070
- Undergraduate tuition
- $16,000
- Room and board
- $9,070
- Graduate tuition
- $9,990
Peer median tuition + room and board $18,400 · all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.
Tuition rose 36% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 88%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$14.9M
Expenses$13.8M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCCAA
| NCCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 15 | 12 |
| Soccer | 18 | - |
| Cross Country | 9 | 7 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| NCCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 16 | 10 |
| Cross Country | 10 | 9 |
| Soccer | 18 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 14 |
| NCCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 17 | 14 |
| Soccer | 21 | - |
| Cross Country | 9 | 6 |
| Volleyball | - | 15 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of ArkansasFayetteville · 73.7 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of TulsaTulsa · 103.2 mi
U.S. News #148
-
University of Missouri--Kansas CityKansas City · 133.5 mi
U.S. News #250
-
University of KansasLawrence · 134.3 mi
U.S. News #148
-
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater · 157.2 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Wichita State UniversityWichita · 158.5 mi
U.S. News #288
-
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla · 161.1 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia · 174.1 mi
U.S. News #95
-
Hendrix CollegeConway · 180.1 mi
Liberal Arts #100
Data insights
Here are some notable universities surrounding Ozark Christian College:
-
University of Arkansas (阿肯色大学) - Ranked 178 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
University of Kansas (堪萨斯大学) - With a rank of 151, this institution is known for its research programs and diverse academic offerings.
-
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus (俄克拉荷马大学) - Also ranked 124, this university is recognized for its strong emphasis on research and student success.
-
Washington University in St. Louis (圣路易斯华盛顿大学) - A prestigious institution ranked 24, it is known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
Saint Louis University (圣路易斯大学) - Ranked 105, this comprehensive university offers a variety of programs and a commitment to service and community engagement.
These institutions provide a wealth of educational opportunities and resources for students in the region.
Peer median 0.0 · all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Ozark Christian College
The crime statistics from Ozark Christian College over the past decade reveal a notable trend in campus safety concerns. In 2020, the college experienced a significant spike in crime rates, with an average of 14.81 incidents per 1,000 students, which is alarmingly high compared to previous years. This surge may reflect broader societal issues, particularly as 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and related tensions.
Interestingly, the data shows fluctuations in crime rates, with years like 2015 and 2018 exhibiting remarkably low incidents, suggesting that the college can maintain a relatively safe environment at times. However, the increase in 2021 and 2022, with rates of 9.54 and 5.72 respectively, indicates that safety challenges persist, potentially impacting students' well-being and campus life.
The types of incidents reported—ranging from gun-related arrests to domestic violence—highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and preventive measures to ensure student safety. It is essential for college administrations to address these issues through comprehensive safety programs and support systems, fostering a secure educational environment.
Overall, while Ozark Christian College has had years of lower crime rates, the recent upsurges prompt a reevaluation of campus safety strategies. It is crucial to maintain transparency and implement effective community initiatives to safeguard the student body. For more detailed information on crime rate calculations, refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.