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 | Tulane New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCollege of the Ozarks is more selective | 12% | 14% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1050–1220 | 1400–1520 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,444 | 7,767 |
| Avg net price | $6,100 | $39,949 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Tulane reports higher median earnings | $41,592 | $63,268 |
| Graduation rate | 64% | 86% |
| Median debt | — | $20,500 |
| Economic mobility | 3.3% | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
For an affluent, data-driven family, this is a choice between a high-value, work-college model and a prestigious, high-cost urban university with stronger traditional outcomes.
By the numbers The contrast is stark. College of the Ozarks offers immense financial value, with an average net price of $6k yielding a 10-year median earnings multiple of 6.8x. Its $42k median graduate earnings are modest, but its economic-mobility rate is an exceptional 332%. It is selective (12% acceptance) but with a wider SAT range (1050–1220) and admits a volatile 91% of its class early. Its DOE financial health score is strong at 2.5/3, and it graduates 64% of students. Tulane is similarly selective (14% acceptance) but attracts much higher-achieving test-takers (SAT 1400–1520). Its 10-year median earnings are $63k, but at an average net price of $40k, the earnings-to-cost multiple is 1.6x. It shows lower admit-rate volatility (35%) and a higher graduation rate of 86%.
Where they overlap Both are selective private institutions with admit rates in the low teens, indicating a competitive applicant pool. Each provides a distinct, immersive campus environment, though their settings and philosophies differ radically.
How they differ The core models are opposites. Ozarks is a debt-free, work-college experience in a rural college town, where students work on campus to cover costs. Tulane is a traditional, high-tuition university in vibrant New Orleans, offering a classic residential college experience amplified by its urban setting. Culturally, Ozarks emphasizes conservative values, discipline, and service within a close-knit community. Tulane’s culture is defined by its energetic location in New Orleans, known for a vibrant social scene, vast extracurricular opportunities, and a student body drawn nationally.
Who each suits Choose for a student who values financial independence, appreciates a structured, service-oriented work ethic, and prefers a conservative, intimate campus setting focused on character development. Choose for a student who thrives in a dynamic, socially active environment, seeks the cultural resources of a major city, and prioritizes strong traditional career outcomes and alumni networks from a nationally recognized institution.
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 |
| New Orleans, LA |
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.