Degree Dividend
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College of the Ozarks vs Drury University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Point Lookout MO · vs · Private nonprofit, Springfield MO

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but College of the Ozarks comes closer — median earnings $41,592 against a $24,400 total, vs $40,694 at Drury University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCollege of the OzarksDrury University
Net price / yr$6,100$20,831
Total net cost$24,400$83,324
Median earnings, 10 yrs$41,592$40,694
Median debt$20,979
Payback
20-year net return-$159,760-$236,644

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, College of the Ozarks or Drury University?

College of the Ozarks, at $6,100 a year after aid versus $20,831 — a gap of $14,731 a year, or $58,924 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do College of the Ozarks or Drury University graduates earn more?

College of the Ozarks graduates report a median $41,592 ten years after entry, $898 more than the $40,694 at Drury University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which graduates more of its students?

64% of students finish at College of the Ozarks, against 62% at Drury University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

College of the Ozarks vs Drury University: frequently asked questions

Is College of the Ozarks or Drury University a better value?
College of the Ozarks comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, College of the Ozarks or Drury University?
College of the Ozarks: $6,100/yr net price after aid versus $20,831/yr at Drury University — a difference of $14,731 a year, or about $58,924 over four years.
Do College of the Ozarks or Drury University graduates earn more?
College of the Ozarks graduates earn a median $41,592 ten years after entry, versus $40,694 at Drury University — a $898 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.