College of the Ozarks has been recognized among the nation’s top institutions in Washington Monthly’s 2025-26 college rankings.

The College earned the No. 2 spot on the publication’s Best Bang for the Buck list, which highlights schools that help students from modest backgrounds earn affordable, marketable degrees. The rankings focus on social mobility, separating those measures from the main list of four-year institutions.

In addition, College of the Ozarks was named the No. 4 Best Bachelor’s College. This list recognizes liberal arts colleges that primarily grant bachelor’s degrees in the arts and sciences and measures their contributions to the public good in three categories: social mobility, research, and service.

“At College of the Ozarks, we believe higher education should not come with a lifetime of debt,” said Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks. “Our model — where students work to pay for their education since our foundation in 1906 — has always been about making a quality education accessible to students who would not otherwise be able to afford such an education. To be recognized by Washington Monthly affirms our commitment to preparing students for successful futures while staying true to our mission.”

Washington Monthly evaluates public, private nonprofit, and for-profit colleges, giving equal weight to social mobility, research, and service. Top-ranked schools demonstrate excellence across all categories.

To view Washington Monthly’s full methodology, visit https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025/08/24/a-note-on-methodology-four-year-colleges-and-universities-2/

To view Washington Monthly’s 2025 Bachelor’s College rankings, visit https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025-college-guide/bachelors-colleges-ranking/

To view Washington Monthly’s 2025 Best Bank for the buck rankings, visit https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025-college-guide/best-bang-for-the-buck-rankings-midwest/

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.