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College comparison
California Institute of the Arts 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 |  California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA |  College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCollege of the Ozarks is more selective | 32% | 12% |
| SAT (25–75) | — | 1050–1220 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 860 | 1,444 |
| Avg net price | $46,080 | $6,100 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)College of the Ozarks reports higher median earnings | $41,198 | $41,592 |
| Graduation rate | 67% | 64% |
| Median debt | $25,000 | — |
| Economic mobility | 0.9% | 3.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
California Institute of the Arts vs College of the Ozarks: how they compare
California Institute of the Arts and College of the Ozarks represent two distinct models of higher education, one defined by artistic immersion and the other by a work-ethic covenant.
By the numbers The contrast in value proposition is stark. College of the Ozarks delivers notable financial efficiency, with an average net price of $6k and a value metric of 6.8× earnings per dollar of net price, compared to CalArts' $46k net price and 0.9× value. Their 10-year median earnings are similar ($42k vs. $41k). Ozarks has a lower acceptance rate (12% vs. 32%) but shows significant year-to-year volatility in that rate (91% vs. 13%). Ozarks shows a higher economic mobility rate (332% vs. 94%), while CalArts holds a slight edge in graduation rate (67% vs. 64%) and DOE financial health score (2.9/3 vs. 2.5/3).
Where they overlap Both are small, specialized institutions with graduation rates somewhat below the national average. They prioritize a focused, immersive experience over a large, traditional university setting and do not emphasize major collegiate athletics.
How they differ Culturally, they are opposites. CalArts is a suburban Los Angeles hub for artistic experimentation, with a student-driven campus culture. College of the Ozarks, or "Hard Work U.," is a Christian college in a college-town setting where all students work on campus to cover costs, fostering a structured community built around work, faith, and traditional collegiate life in a rural setting.
Who each suits CalArts suits an independent, self-motivated artist committed to their craft, who thrives in a progressive environment and is prepared for the financial investment. College of the Ozarks is a match for a student seeking a values-oriented, debt-free education, who appreciates a structured community.
Quick answers
- Is California Institute of the Arts or College of the Ozarks harder to get into?
- College of the Ozarks is more selective: California Institute of the Arts's acceptance rate is approximately 32% and College of the Ozarks's is approximately 12% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for California Institute of the Arts vs College of the Ozarks?
- The middle-50% SAT range is — at California Institute of the Arts 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.