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College comparison
College of the Ozarks vs Hillsdale College
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 |  College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, MO |  Hillsdale College Hillsdale, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCollege of the Ozarks is more selective | 12% | 21% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1050–1220 | 1320–1490 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,444 | 1,573 |
| Avg net price | $6,100 | — |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $41,592 | — |
| Graduation rate | 64% | 90% |
| Median debt | — | — |
| Economic mobility | 3.3% | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
| Location |
College of the Ozarks vs Hillsdale College: how they compare
Two distinct, highly conservative Christian liberal arts colleges offering structured, value-driven educations in small-town settings.
By the numbers College of the Ozarks presents an extraordinary financial proposition: an average net price of $6k yields a 10-year median earnings of $42k, a value multiplier of 6.8×. Its 12% acceptance rate is highly selective, though with an SAT 25-75th percentile range of 1050–1220, it admits a broader academic profile. It shows very high economic mobility (332%) and solid institutional health (DOE score 2.5/3), with a 64% graduation rate. Hillsdale College is more academically selective by standardized metrics, with an SAT range of 1320–1490 and a 21% acceptance rate. It achieves a significantly higher graduation rate of 90%. Its admit-rate volatility is higher (134% vs. Ozarks' 91%), indicating more fluctuation in selectivity year-to-year.
Where they overlap Both are deeply Christian, conservative institutions with a strong emphasis on patriotism, tradition, and civic responsibility. They are located in college towns, fostering tight-knit residential communities. Each attracts students and families specifically seeking an education aligned with these values, away from more progressive campus environments.
How they differ Culturally, College of the Ozarks is defined by its mandatory work program ("Hard Work U"), which funds tuition and creates a pervasive culture of labor, discipline, and self-reliance, accompanied by strict behavioral rules. Hillsdale, while also traditional, is known for a rigorous classical liberal arts core and an intellectual conservative ethos. Its student life includes more off-campus social gatherings, suggesting a different social rhythm compared to Ozarks' highly structured, on-campus environment.
Quick answers
- Is College of the Ozarks or Hillsdale College harder to get into?
- College of the Ozarks is more selective: College of the Ozarks's acceptance rate is approximately 12% and Hillsdale College's is approximately 21% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for College of the Ozarks vs Hillsdale College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1050–1220 at College of the Ozarks and 1320–1490 at Hillsdale College. 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.