Head-to-head · 2026
College of the Ozarks vs Washington University in St Louis
Compare average net price ($6,100 at College of the Ozarks; $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis), ROI score (17.05 vs 9.89), ten-year median earnings ($41,592 vs $86,182), and admissions selectivity (12% acceptance at College of the Ozarks; 12.1% at Washington University in St Louis) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. College of the Ozarks leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | College of the Ozarks | Washington University in St Louis |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 17.05 ✓ | 9.89 |
| Avg net price | $6,100 ✓ | $21,786 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $41,592 | $86,182 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 12% ✓ | 12.1% |
| Graduation rate | 63.7% | 94.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | — | $17,500 |
| Enrollment | 1,444 | 7,857 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1118 | 1530 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Washington University in St Louis costs $15,686 more per year than College of the Ozarks ($21,786 vs $6,100). Washington University in St Louis graduates report $44,590 higher median earnings after ten years ($86,182 vs $41,592). On EduGradify's model that puts College of the Ozarks ahead on projected ROI (17.05 vs 9.89, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (College of the Ozarks) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, College of the Ozarks is highly competitive at 12% acceptance versus 12.1% (highly competitive) at Washington University in St Louis.
Frequently asked
College of the Ozarks vs Washington University in St Louis, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of the Ozarks or Washington University in St Louis the better value?
College of the Ozarks has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.05 vs 9.89), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
College of the Ozarks is cheaper — average net price $6,100 per year vs $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis. The annual difference of $15,686 adds up to about $62,744 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Washington University in St Louis reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $86,182 vs $41,592 at College of the Ozarks. The annual gap in the federal data is $44,590.
Which school is harder to get into?
College of the Ozarks is more selective at 12% acceptance vs 12.1% at Washington University in St Louis.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. College of the Ozarks reports a A+ value grade; Washington University in St Louis reports B.