College comparison
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 | Mississippi Christian University Clinton, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCollege of the Ozarks is more selective | 12% | 29% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1050–1220 | — |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,444 | 2,518 |
| Avg net price | $6,100 | $27,712 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Mississippi Christian University reports higher median earnings | $41,592 | $47,485 |
| Graduation rate | 64% | 59% |
| Median debt | — | $22,500 |
| Economic mobility | 3.3% | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
By the numbers College of the Ozarks is the more selective (12% acceptance vs. 29%) and financially robust institution. Its defining metric is value: students pay an average net price of $6k for a return of 6.8× earnings per dollar of net price, supported by a DOE financial-health score of 2.5/3. Its economic-mobility rate is 332%, though its admit-rate volatility is also high at 91%. The 10-year median earnings are $42k, with a 64% graduation rate. Mississippi Christian University presents a different financial picture: its 10-year median earnings are $47k, while the average net price is $28k, yielding a value return of 1.7×. Its graduation rate is 59%, and it shows lower admit-rate volatility (70%).
Where they overlap Both are Christian institutions integrating faith and learning, appealing to families seeking a values-based undergraduate experience. They share a focus on fostering community and personal development within a religious framework.
How they differ Culturally, College of the Ozarks, known as "Hard Work U.," emphasizes a vocation-integrated education where student work is central to covering costs, creating a structured campus life in a college-town setting. Mississippi Christian University, in a suburban setting, offers a more conventional residential college experience without the same intensive work-study model.
Who each suits College of the Ozarks is a match for a student seeking a communal, work-focused Christian environment where minimizing debt is a primary financial goal. Mississippi Christian University suits a student preferring a more traditional suburban campus lifestyle within a Christian context, where the family is prepared to pay a higher net price.
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.
| Location | Point Lookout, MO | Clinton, MS |
|---|
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.