An annual ranking of the best colleges may show some of the same schools year in and year out. For College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, the ranking has become part of its identity.
C of O was recently awarded number one Best Value School for the Midwest region in the 2017 edition of U.S. News and World Report. Additionally, it earned the number four ranking for Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest and second Best Undergrad Teaching in the Midwest.
Since 1989, Hard Work U, as it’s often called, has been considered a “Best College” in one category or another by the report.
The aspect of “Best Value” stems from the college’s tuition free approach. Instead of the traditional methods of paying for college, students at C of O work on campus each semester to pay for their schooling.
“We are pleased to once again be ranked so highly by U.S. News & World Report,” said President Dr. Jerry C. Davis in a news release.
The U.S. News and World Report comprises nearly 1800 schools nationwide. A few of the factors used in determining ranked schools include freshman retention, graduation rates, and strength of faculty. The report also includes the publications own view of what matters in education.
Learn more about C of O's rankings and see the full list of school rankings here.