University of the Ozarks

University of the Ozarks is a private nonprofit undergraduate university in Clarksville with a liberal-arts curriculum organized around its LENS areas: Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social Sciences and Social Applications. Students choose a major and combine it with minors across those areas, creating an interdisciplinary degree plan. Current programs include biology, computer science, environmental studies, health promotion, accounting, education, psychology, political science, art, and music. The university’s Jones Learning Center is a specialized support program for students with learning disabilities; applicants who may need it should contact the Center early to learn about fit, documentation, and any separate fee. Review the full degree and program list before comparing curriculum plans.

Apply test-optional and request a transcript review

First-year students can apply directly online. The university says ACT or SAT scores are not required and that test-optional applicants receive full consideration. Applicants with a high-school GPA of at least 2.80 may be considered with an official transcript alone; applicants below that GPA must provide additional material, including a recommendation, writing sample, student profile or résumé, and an interview. Transfer applicants should send college records and ask how prior courses fit the LENS structure. Begin with the official online application and admissions requirements, then ask Admissions whether your program has extra steps.

Compare the 2026–27 price with merit and need-based aid

The published 2026–27 direct cost is $38,341: tuition of $26,471, room and dining of $10,870, and a $1,000 learning-materials allowance. This is before grants or scholarships and may not include every indirect personal expense. For incoming students, the university automatically considers merit scholarships with the admission application. Its current table lists $14,000 a year for a GPA of at least 3.75 (Trustee), $13,500 for 3.50–3.74 (Hurie), $13,000 for 3.00–3.49 (Presidential), and $12,000 for 2.50–2.99 (Dean’s). Renewal requires a 2.0 GPA, 12 credits per semester, and good academic and disciplinary standing; the awards can renew for up to four years.

Students from Johnson, Logan, Franklin, Madison, Newton, or Pope County in Arkansas can ask about the full-need tuition scholarship. The university says it covers direct tuition after federal and state aid, including Direct Subsidized Loans; it does not cover books, room, or board. The competitive Frontier Scholarship has an additional application and interview and may cover tuition, books, room, and board for selected students. Ask the aid office for the upcoming cycle’s exact dates and for a written explanation of how grants, loans, and scholarships stack. See current cost information and grant and scholarship terms.

Clarksville campus and student perspectives

The main campus is at 415 N. College Avenue, Clarksville, AR 72830. The main listing phone is (479) 979-1000; Admissions is (479) 979-1227 or admiss@ozarks.edu. Maps shows a Monday opening at 8 a.m. but not the complete office schedule. Individual tours are available Monday–Saturday by appointment; reserve a visit and confirm where to check in at the Mabee Administration Building. The university’s published address identifies one primary campus for its undergraduate programs.

Voluntary student comments often appreciate a small campus, approachable instructors, and feeling comfortable in the community. Other comments raise concerns about food choices and the condition of some facilities. Such accounts are personal, not representative of every student. During a visit, ask about classroom sizes in your intended major, which residence halls are currently open, meal-plan choices, and how the Jones Learning Center’s services coordinate with regular course advising. Read public student perspectives about the University of the Ozarks.