What's unique about the School of the Ozarks?

I'm exploring different colleges and came across the School of the Ozarks. What makes it different from other schools? Is their work-study program intensive, and how does it impact student life and academics?

The College of the Ozarks is unique in its philosophy of providing what it calls a "Hard Work U" experience. The college strongly emphasizes the virtues of hard work, Christian values, and financial responsibility.

The most distinctive feature of the College of the Ozarks is its Work Education Program. Each full-time student is required to work 15 hours per week during the school year and two 40-hour weeks during break. This could be anything from working in the library to maintaining the campus farms. The work-study program tends to be quite intensive, but it's meant to teach students the value of work, as well as help them graduate debt-free.

From an academic perspective, the work-study program should not detract students from their studies. In fact, many students appreciate the program and find that it adds another dimension to their education. It fosters skills like time management, responsibility, and diligence, which are all transferrable to academic pursuits and life after college.

Additionally, the college emphasizes patriotism and Christian values, which are incorporated into its academic and work programs. It's also one of the few schools that does not charge tuition. Instead, through the combination of the work program, Federal and State grants, and the College of the Ozarks Cost of Education Scholarship, their students graduate without student loan debt.

So if you're considering this school, just know that they expect you to work hard, demonstrate responsibility, and live out the school's values. But in return, you get a distinctive college education not easily found elsewhere. It's a different kind of college experience, but it might be the right fit if you value what it offers.