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College of the Ozarks vs Hannibal-LaGrange University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Point Lookout MO · vs · Private nonprofit, Hannibal 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 $42,643 at Hannibal-LaGrange University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCollege of the OzarksHannibal-LaGrange University
Net price / yr$6,100$22,814
Total net cost$24,400$91,256
Median earnings, 10 yrs$41,592$42,643
Median debt$18,599
Payback
20-year net return-$159,760-$205,596

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

Which is cheaper, College of the Ozarks or Hannibal-LaGrange University?

College of the Ozarks, at $6,100 a year after aid versus $22,814 — a gap of $16,714 a year, or $66,856 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 Hannibal-LaGrange University graduates earn more?

Hannibal-LaGrange University graduates report a median $42,643 ten years after entry, $1,051 more than the $41,592 at College of the Ozarks. 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 50% at Hannibal-LaGrange 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 Hannibal-LaGrange University: frequently asked questions

Is College of the Ozarks or Hannibal-LaGrange 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 Hannibal-LaGrange University?
College of the Ozarks: $6,100/yr net price after aid versus $22,814/yr at Hannibal-LaGrange University — a difference of $16,714 a year, or about $66,856 over four years.
Do College of the Ozarks or Hannibal-LaGrange University graduates earn more?
Hannibal-LaGrange University graduates earn a median $42,643 ten years after entry, versus $41,592 at College of the Ozarks — a $1,051 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.