College of the Ozarks scores financial grade of “A+,” per Forbes magazine

Forbes magazine awarded College of the Ozarks an “A+” financial grade in its recently released 2026 College Financial Grades ranking.

Using the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics and higher education financial analytics, Forbes evaluated private, nonprofit colleges with enrollments exceeding 500 full-time students.

The ranking measures both balance sheet strength and operational soundness through a series of financial indicators including operating margins, endowment assets per student and unrestricted net assets relative to expenses, among other measures.

The mission of College of the Ozarks is to provide the advantages of a Christian education for youth of both sexes, especially those found worthy, but who are without sufficient means to procure such training. All students at College of the Ozarks work rather than pay for their education. The cost is met through a combination of donor gifts, private scholarships and grants. The College also openly discourages debt by not participating in student loan programs.

“Our hardworking students, faculty and staff have helped position College of the Ozarks for long-term financial strength while remaining steadfast in our mission of providing a Christian education to students of limited means,” said Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks. “This recognition from Forbes affirms the sound stewardship and fiscal discipline that make it possible for our students to graduate debt free. We are committed to managing our resources wisely so future generations of students can continue to benefit from the unique opportunities afforded by Hard Work U.”

With a successful Work Education Program that employs nearly 1,500 students across more than 100 workstations, College of the Ozarks not only helps students graduate debt free but also maintains a strong financial foundation.

“In the current economic climate, we must remain vigilant about controlling costs and being wise financial stewards of our entrusted resources to sustain financial health into the future. We are grateful for the faithful donors and friends of the College who appreciate our efforts to impart traditional Christian and American values to our students and have generously stood beside us for many years,” Johnson said.