Getting scholarships for room and board at the College of the Ozarks?

I've heard the College of the Ozarks offers some unique scholarships. Can students get scholarships that cover room and board, and how competitive are these opportunities?

Yes, you're right in hearing that the College of the Ozarks does offer some unique scholarship opportunities for students. One of the things that makes this college quite distinctive is their "Hard Work U" approach. The institution has a robust student work program where all full-time students work on campus for 15 hours per week and two 40-hour work weeks during breaks. By participating, they essentially earn their tuition, with the opportunity to graduate without any student loan debt.

Now to your question on room and board: Yes, similar to tuition, the College of the Ozarks does provide a cost of education scholarship for room and board. This may cover a part or the potential full cost of a student's room and board, depending on need. Once the expected family contribution and any federal and state aid are subtracted from the cost of room and board, the remaining amount is covered by the college's scholarship.

These opportunities have some degree of competitiveness, as the college can select just over 350 new students each year. The college is looking for students who demonstrate financial need, are academically strong, and exhibit moral and social characteristics, among other factors.

Remember that the uniqueness of the College's model - where students help defray the cost of their education through a work program rather than paying tuition - can make it a great option for students who are looking to avoid the heavy debt burden that can come with other higher education paths. However, this model may not suit everyone, and it's essential to consider whether the commitment to work as an integral part of their education fits your needs and preferences.