Head-to-head · 2026
John Brown University vs University of the Ozarks
Compare average net price ($20,397 at John Brown University; $17,360 at University of the Ozarks), ROI score (6.61 vs 6.39), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($53,907 vs $44,384), and admissions selectivity (76.1% acceptance at John Brown University; 59.5% at University of the Ozarks) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | John Brown University | University of the Ozarks |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.61 ✓ | 6.39 |
| Avg net price | $20,397 | $17,360 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $81,588 | $69,440 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $31,756 | $25,950 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $31,756 | $25,950 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $53,907 ✓ | $44,384 |
| Acceptance rate | 76.1% | 59.5% |
| Graduation rate | 71.8% ✓ | 51.5% |
| Retention rate | 81.5% ✓ | 68.6% |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $20,875 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,471 | 767 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1195 | 1105 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | John Brown University | University of the Ozarks |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $17,484 | $14,664 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $17,210 | $14,551 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $16,655 ✓ | $19,291 |
| Family income $75–110k | $21,433 | $18,632 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $24,627 | $22,836 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | John Brown University | University of the Ozarks |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 20% | 28.1% |
| Psychology, General | 6.5% | 10% |
| Political Science and Government | 1.4% | 9.1% |
| Biology, General | 3.5% | 6.5% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 3.7% | 3% |
| Mathematics | 1% | 5.2% |
| Communication and Media Studies | 1.2% | 4.3% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 1.2% | 3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of the Ozarks reports the lower average net price by $3,037 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $12,148 difference over four years ($69,440 vs $81,588).
John Brown University reports $9,523 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($53,907 vs $44,384). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 81.5% at John Brown University and 68.6% at University of the Ozarks. Median federal debt among completers is $21,250 vs $20,875, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
John Brown University vs University of the Ozarks, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of the Ozarks is cheaper — average net price $17,360 per year vs $20,397 at John Brown University. The annual difference of $3,037 adds up to about $12,148 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
John Brown University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $53,907 vs $44,384 at University of the Ozarks. The gap in the federal data is $9,523. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of the Ozarks is more selective at 59.5% acceptance vs 76.1% at John Brown University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.