Is College of the Ozarks a Christian college?

Yes. College of the Ozarks is a Christian college.

What is College of the Ozarks’s Compass Score?

78 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Where is chapel held at College of the Ozarks?

Chapel is listed at Williams Memorial Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

Christian college

#15 Christian colleges with the strongest Christian community in America

College of the Ozarks

Point Lookout, MO · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Evangelical and Missionary

College of the Ozarks is a Christian college in Point Lookout, Missouri, founded by Christians with a mission to the Ozarks. Chapel meets each Monday night and students earn 84 chapel credits over their college career. Every student takes two Christian Worldview courses, and Christian Ministries runs weekly Bible study, mission trips and student-led service.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

“To be faithfully educated, it is vital that students gain an understanding of the Bible and theology to provide a foundation for other learning.”
Source: catalog.cofo.edu
“Annually, Christian Ministries encourages students through internships, mission trips, and service opportunities to participate in God's mission to the world.”
Source: cofo.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Full-time students with fewer than 91 college hours must take part in chapel, and 84 chapel credits are needed during college.

Source: catalog.cofo.edu

What's a normal week?

Chapel is held Mondays at 7 p.m. in Williams Memorial Chapel.

Source: catalog.cofo.edu

Where do I find community?

Students can take part in weekly Bible studies, and men's and women's retreats are held each year.

Source: cofo.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Christian Ministries sponsors student-led service opportunities in the local community each semester.

Source: cofo.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Show 6 more

Academic Excellence

B+

72 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score64%
First-year retention 20% of score90%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,118 · ACT 22.5
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score14 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$13,386

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Worship and chapel

66 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

Partly:
Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (One chapel service a week, Monday night. The catalog says some chapel experiences are offered on other days.)
Sources (2)
1. Campus Christian Life | 2026-2027 College Catalogcatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=25&navoid=1167 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Chapel services are held each Monday night.”
  Chapel services are held every Monday night.
2. Christian Policy | Student Handbook 2026-2027 | College of the Ozarkscatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=26&navoid=1201 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “holds weekly chapel services on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Williams Memorial Chapel.”
  Weekly chapel is held Mondays at 7 p.m. in Williams Memorial Chapel.
Yes:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Required of all full-time students with fewer than 91 college hours: 84 chapel credits over the college career (12 per semester as a target).)
Sources (2)
1. Christian Policy | Student Handbook 2026-2027 | College of the Ozarkscatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=26&navoid=1201 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “All full-time students (12 hours or more per semester) with less than 91 academic college hours are required to participate in the chapel program.”
  Chapel participation is required for full-time students with fewer than 91 hours.
2. Campus Christian Life | 2026-2027 College Catalogcatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=25&navoid=1167 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Students must obtain 84 chapel credits during their college career.”
  Students must earn 84 chapel credits during college.
Not enough information:
Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
Sources (1)
1. Christian | Pillars | College of the Ozarkscofo.edu/Pillars/Christian · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “As the Campus Minister, Justin wears a few hats.”
  Justin Sharp serves as Campus Minister, teaching in chapel and organizing mission trips.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes
Sources (1)
1. Christian Policy | Student Handbook 2026-2027 | College of the Ozarkscatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=26&navoid=1201 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “holds weekly chapel services on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Williams Memorial Chapel.”
  Weekly chapel is held Mondays at 7 p.m. in Williams Memorial Chapel.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (1 weekly time documented: 1 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Bible and theology

88 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

Partly:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (BTS 103 Christian Worldview I and BTS 4003 Christian Worldview II are required of all students (Biblical and Theological Studies courses). Counted once; the same two courses also appear under T3.)
Sources (2)
1. General Education Program | 2026-2027 College Catalogcatalog.cofo.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=25&poid=3684 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BTS 103 - Christian Worldview I”
  BTS 103 Christian Worldview I is a required general education course.
  “BTS 4003 - Christian Worldview II”
  BTS 4003 Christian Worldview II is a required general education course.
2. Academic Policies | 2026-2027 College Catalogcatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=25&navoid=1169 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “To be faithfully educated, it is vital that students gain an understanding of the Bible and theology to provide a foundation for other learning.”
  The academic policy names Bible and theology as a foundation for every student's learning.
Not enough information:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses required1 course (CC 201 Faithful Vocation, Integrating Faith in Your Vocation. The two Christian Worldview courses (BTS 103 and BTS 4003) are counted under T1, not again here.)
Sources (2)
1. Christian | Pillars | College of the Ozarkscofo.edu/Pillars/Christian · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “All incoming students are required to take two Christian Worldview Courses as part of the curriculum at College of the Ozarks.”
  Incoming students take two Christian Worldview courses.
2. General Education Program | 2026-2027 College Catalogcatalog.cofo.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=25&poid=3684 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BTS 103 - Christian Worldview I”
  BTS 103 Christian Worldview I is a required general education course.
  “BTS 4003 - Christian Worldview II”
  BTS 4003 Christian Worldview II is a required general education course.
  “CC 201 - Faithful Vocation - Integrating Faith in Your Vocation”
  CC 201 Faithful Vocation is a required course on integrating faith into one's vocation.
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes
Sources (1)
1. Academic Policies | 2026-2027 College Catalogcatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=25&navoid=1169 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “In faithful education there is no divide between sacred and secular knowledge”
  The academic policy states faith is integrated across all disciplines.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
Sources (1)
1. Divisions, Majors, Minors, and Pre-Professional Programs | 2026-2027 College Catalogcatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=25&navoid=1172 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Biblical and Theological Studies Major - Biblical Studies Emphasis, B.A.”
  A Biblical and Theological Studies major (Biblical Studies emphasis) is offered.
Yes:
A published statement of faithYes (The student handbook names the Apostles' Creed and Nicene Creed as guiding statements of faith.)
Sources (1)
1. Christian Policy | Student Handbook 2026-2027 | College of the Ozarkscatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=26&navoid=1201 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Guiding statements of faith include the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.”
  The college names the Apostles' Creed and Nicene Creed as its guiding statements of faith.

Christian community

89 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

Yes:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)5 or more (Five ministry staff listed on the Christian Ministries staff page: the Vice President, Director of Christian Formation, Campus Minister, Director of Special Projects and the Community Service and Chapel Program Coordinator.)
Sources (1)
1. Christian | Pillars | College of the Ozarkscofo.edu/Pillars/Christian · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Justin Carswell has served at College of the Ozarks for over 15 years and currently serves as the Vice President of Student Development and Christian Ministries.”
  The Vice President of Student Development and Christian Ministries leads spiritual life and mission.
  “As the Director of Christian Formation, Amanda Walker has the privilege of helping students at College of the Ozarks become fully formed disciples of Christ.”
  Amanda Walker is Director of Christian Formation.
  “As the Campus Minister, Justin wears a few hats.”
  Justin Sharp serves as Campus Minister, teaching in chapel and organizing mission trips.
  “Lori Simmons serves as Director of Special Projects and Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Christian Ministries and Student Development at College of the Ozarks.”
  Lori Simmons is a Christian Ministries staff member.
  “In her role, Espi coordinates campus initiatives that encourage student engagement, service, and spiritual growth”
  The Community Service and Chapel Program Coordinator leads campus service and spiritual growth initiatives.
Partly:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (Men's and women's retreats each year (two).)
Sources (1)
1. Christian | Pillars | College of the Ozarkscofo.edu/Pillars/Christian · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Both men's and women's retreats are held annually.”
  Men's and women's retreats are held each year.
Yes:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (A weekly Wednesday Bible study (Artos), small-group leader training each semester, and recognized organizations including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.)
Sources (2)
1. Christian | Pillars | College of the Ozarkscofo.edu/Pillars/Christian · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Each week, students have the opportunity to participate in in-depth Bible studies.”
  Weekly in-depth Bible studies are offered to students.
  “is a weekly inductive Bible study held on Wednesdays over the lunch hour in the Christian Ministries Lounge.”
  Artos is a weekly Wednesday Bible study in the Christian Ministries Lounge.
2. Christian Policy | Student Handbook 2026-2027 | College of the Ozarkscatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=26&navoid=1201 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)”
  The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a recognized campus religious organization.
Yes:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithAll faculty (The catalog says faculty and staff are expected to support and abide by the stated faith commitments.)
Sources (1)
1. Campus Christian Life | 2026-2027 College Catalogcatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=25&navoid=1167 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “the College expects its faculty and staff to support and abide by its stated faith and practice commitments”
  Faculty and staff are expected to support the college's stated faith commitments.
Not enough information:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Christian | Pillars | College of the Ozarkscofo.edu/Pillars/Christian · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Justin Carswell has served at College of the Ozarks for over 15 years and currently serves as the Vice President of Student Development and Christian Ministries.”
  The Vice President of Student Development and Christian Ministries leads spiritual life and mission.

Missions and service

77 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes (Christian Ministries sponsors service opportunities each semester.)
Sources (1)
1. Christian | Pillars | College of the Ozarkscofo.edu/Pillars/Christian · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Each semester Christian Ministries sponsors multiple student-led service opportunities in our local community.”
  Christian Ministries sponsors student-led service opportunities each semester.
Not enough information:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Mission trips are offered each year through Christian Ministries.)
Sources (1)
1. Christian | Pillars | College of the Ozarkscofo.edu/Pillars/Christian · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Annually, Christian Ministries encourages students through internships, mission trips, and service opportunities to participate in God's mission to the world.”
  Christian Ministries encourages mission trips each year as participation in God's mission.
Not enough information:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome (Recent trips listed include Belize, Ecuador and Cameroon, plus Mission Training Institutes.)
Sources (1)
1. Christian | Pillars | College of the Ozarkscofo.edu/Pillars/Christian · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Most recently, we have sent students to Belize and Ecuador to do evangelism and discipleship”
  Recent mission trips went to Belize, Ecuador and Cameroon.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Christian | Pillars | College of the Ozarkscofo.edu/Pillars/Christian · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Annually, Christian Ministries encourages students through internships, mission trips, and service opportunities to participate in God's mission to the world.”
  Christian Ministries encourages mission trips each year as participation in God's mission.

Strengths

Chapel meets each Monday night, and students earn 84 chapel credits over their college career.
Sources (2)
1. Christian Policy | Student Handbook 2026-2027 | College of the Ozarkscatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=26&navoid=1201 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “holds weekly chapel services on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Williams Memorial Chapel.”
  Weekly chapel is held Mondays at 7 p.m. in Williams Memorial Chapel.
2. Campus Christian Life | 2026-2027 College Catalogcatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=25&navoid=1167 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Students must obtain 84 chapel credits during their college career.”
  Students must earn 84 chapel credits during college.
Every incoming student takes two Christian Worldview courses, and Bible and theology study is part of the general education program.
Sources (2)
1. Christian | Pillars | College of the Ozarkscofo.edu/Pillars/Christian · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “All incoming students are required to take two Christian Worldview Courses as part of the curriculum at College of the Ozarks.”
  Incoming students take two Christian Worldview courses.
2. General Education Program | 2026-2027 College Catalogcatalog.cofo.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=25&poid=3684 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BTS 103 - Christian Worldview I”
  BTS 103 Christian Worldview I is a required general education course.
  “BTS 4003 - Christian Worldview II”
  BTS 4003 Christian Worldview II is a required general education course.
Christian Ministries has five professional ministry staff, weekly Bible study, and annual men's and women's retreats.
Sources (1)
1. Christian | Pillars | College of the Ozarkscofo.edu/Pillars/Christian · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Justin Carswell has served at College of the Ozarks for over 15 years and currently serves as the Vice President of Student Development and Christian Ministries.”
  The Vice President of Student Development and Christian Ministries leads spiritual life and mission.
  “Each week, students have the opportunity to participate in in-depth Bible studies.”
  Weekly in-depth Bible studies are offered to students.
  “Both men's and women's retreats are held annually.”
  Men's and women's retreats are held each year.

Concerns

Chapel is published as one service a week, on Monday night.
Sources (1)
1. Christian Policy | Student Handbook 2026-2027 | College of the Ozarkscatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=26&navoid=1201 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “holds weekly chapel services on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Williams Memorial Chapel.”
  Weekly chapel is held Mondays at 7 p.m. in Williams Memorial Chapel.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Christian Ministries

Address: 1 Opportunity Ave., Point Lookout, MO 65726
Facilities: Christian Ministries Lounge, Williams Memorial Chapel (Monday chapel)

Source: cofo.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, catalog.cofo.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, cofo.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Christian Ministries

Sources (1)

Christian | Pillars | College of the Ozarkscofo.edu/Pillars/Christian · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Each semester Christian Ministries sponsors multiple student-led service opportunities in our local community.”
Christian Ministries sponsors student-led service opportunities each semester.
“He can be reached by email at carswell@cofo.edu or by phone at (417) 690-3446.”
The Vice President can be reached at carswell@cofo.edu or 690-3446.

Christian clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 2 off campus, 1 location not published

Service 2

Student-led local serviceOff campus
Each semester
Student-led service in the local community, such as feeding the poor, shelters, children's programs and disaster relief.
cofo.edu
Mission trips and Mission Training InstitutesOff campus
Annually
Mission trips to Belize, Ecuador, Cameroon and other places, and training institutes that prepare students for mission work.
cofo.edu, cofo.edu

Faith formation 1

Artos Bible studyOn campus
Wednesdays over the lunch hour
A weekly inductive Bible study with lunch in the Christian Ministries Lounge.
cofo.edu

Worship and prayer 1

Chapel ChoirOn campus
Mondays
Worship leaders for the Monday chapel services.
catalog.cofo.edu

Retreats 1

Men's and women's retreats
Annually
A weekend retreat for men and a separate one for women each year.
cofo.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

Monday7:00 PM–7:55 PMWilliams Memorial Chapel · Monday night chapel, one of the Chapel Program's weekly offerings (per the student handbook).

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)

Christian Policy | Student Handbook 2026-2027 | College of the Ozarkscatalog.cofo.edu/content.php?catoid=26&navoid=1201 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“holds weekly chapel services on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Williams Memorial Chapel.”
Weekly chapel is held Mondays at 7 p.m. in Williams Memorial Chapel.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Average net price by family income
Family income	Price after aid
Up to $30,000	$6,381
$30,001–$48,000	$6,140
$48,001–$75,000	$5,022
$75,001–$110,000	$6,409
Over $110,000	$10,426

Full cost of attendance before aid: $33,734 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	1,427
Total students	1,427
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$6,100
Cost of attendance (per year)	$33,734
Median federal debt at graduation	—
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	64%
First-year retention	90%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$41,592
Admission rate	12%
Students receiving Pell grants	49%

Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1050–1220ACT 20–25

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1118
SAT reading & writing	540–630
SAT math	510–590
ACT composite	20–25
Test policy	Required

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

Median earnings by major
Major	Median earnings
Accounting	$60,422
Nursing	$60,192
Agricultural business	$49,360
Business administration	$47,665
Psychology	$44,659
Public relations	$44,554
Animal Sciences	$42,296
Secondary education	$32,583

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Agricultural Production Operations, Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Communication studies, Computer science, Computing and information science, Criminal justice, Culinary arts, Design, Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services, Ecology and evolutionary biology, Engineering (general), English, Family and human development, Finance, Fine arts, Fire science, Graphic communications, Health sciences, History, Hospitality management, International Agriculture, Journalism, Kinesiology and exercise science, Liberal arts, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, Plant Sciences, Religious Music and Worship, Romance languages, Social work, Sociology, Teacher education, Theatre, Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management.

Campus facts

Setting	Town
Part-time undergraduates	1%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	1%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$8,800
Sports	NAIA · Sooner Athletic Conference
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	14 to 1

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). None of this changes the faith grades.

Questions families ask

Is College of the Ozarks a Christian college?: Yes. College of the Ozarks is a Christian college.
What is College of the Ozarks’s Compass Score?: 78 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at College of the Ozarks?: Chapel is listed at Williams Memorial Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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Reach out

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About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 178697
Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (diverse fields)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Evangelical Christian
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