POINT LOOKOUT, Missouri — College of the Ozarks was recently ranked by Washington Monthly, earning No.1 Best Bang for the Buck in the Midwest and No. 1 Bachelor’s College. Washington Monthly compared a sampling of 1,469 colleges, including public, private nonprofit, and for-profit institutions.

Washington Monthly released its 2020 college guide and rankings in the September/October issue of the magazine and online.

Rankings emphasized social mobility, research, and community and national service. College of the Ozarks ranked No. 1 in the category, “Social Mobility.” Students attending College of the Ozarks work, rather than pay, to offset the cost of an education and earn a debt-free education at Hard Work U.

“College of the Ozarks is honored to be recognized by Washington Monthly for the value it brings to students,” said College President Jerry C. Davis. “We are a unique college where students earn their education by working, rather than paying for it out of pocket. Graduates from our institution, with a debt-free launch, have the opportunity to start a business, buy a home, or serve the community as teachers, ministers, missionaries, and world-changers.”

Best Bang for the Buck rankings recognize colleges and universities from five geographical regions. Those making the list represent a diverse group of institutions – No. 1 in the Midwest, College of the Ozarks; No. 1 in the Northeast, Harvard University (Massachusetts); No. 1 in the South, Berea College (Kentucky); No. 1 in the Southeast, Georgetown University (Washington DC) and No. 1 in the West, California State University, Stanislaus.