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College comparison
Berea College vs College of the Ozarks
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Berea College Berea, KY |  College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCollege of the Ozarks is more selective | 19% | 12% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1156–1335 | 1050–1220 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,513 | 1,444 |
| Avg net price | $6,106 | $6,100 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Berea College reports higher median earnings | $43,150 | $41,592 |
| Graduation rate | 58% | 64% |
| Median debt | $3,591 | — |
| Economic mobility | — | 3.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Berea College vs College of the Ozarks: how they compare
Two distinctive, tuition-free work colleges with deep service missions, but divergent cultures and student profiles.
By the numbers Quantitatively, the schools are remarkably close on core outcomes. Both have an average net price of $6k, with nearly identical 10-year median earnings ($43k for Berea vs. $42k for Ozarks) and similar value multiples (7.1x for Berea vs. 6.8x for Ozarks). Key differences lie in selectivity and stability. College of the Ozarks is more selective with a 12% acceptance rate versus Berea's 19%, but its admit-rate volatility is dramatically higher (91% vs. 44%). Berea's student body has higher median SAT scores (1156–1335 vs. 1050–1220). In institutional health, Berea scores higher on the DOE financial-health metric (3.0/3 vs. 2.5/3), while Ozarks posts a higher economic-mobility rate (332%) and graduation rate (64% vs. 58%).
Where they overlap Both are federally recognized "work colleges" where all students work on campus to offset educational costs, fostering a strong ethos of diligence and community. They are located in college town settings, offer close-knit environments with small classes, and provide a debt-free education that promotes social mobility.
How they differ Their cultures and orientations diverge. Berea, founded by abolitionists, emphasizes social justice, environmental engagement, and a broad liberal arts experience. College of the Ozarks is noted for its focus on national service, Christian values, and patriotism.
Who each suits Berea College suits a student drawn to a progressive, socially conscious community where nature and justice-oriented engagement are part of the educational fabric. College of the Ozarks is a fit for a student seeking a structured, service-oriented environment with a pronounced patriotic and Christian character.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Berea College or College of the Ozarks harder to get into?
- College of the Ozarks is more selective: Berea College's acceptance rate is approximately 19% and College of the Ozarks's is approximately 12% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Berea College vs College of the Ozarks?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1156–1335 at Berea College and 1050–1220 at College of the Ozarks. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.