College of the Ozarks is a private (private university), Christian liberal-arts college of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), with its campus located in the Ozarks at Point Lookout (Point Lookout, Missouri) in between Branson (Branson, Missouri) and Hollister (Hollister, Missouri), Missouri. Located 40 miles (60 km) south of Springfield (Springfield, Missouri) on a 1,000-acre (4 km�) campus, overlooking Lake Taneycomo, this small college has a student to faculty ratio of approximately 16:1, over 30 academic majors, and degrees in Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.

The College charges no tuition for full-time students, due to its unusual student work program (work college) and donations. The program requires students to work 15 hours a week at an on-campus work station and two 40 hour work weeks during breaks. A summer work program is also available to cover room and board costs. The college proudly refers to itself as "Hard Work U.", and places a high importance on character education. Its mission since it establishment in 1906 is "to provide the advantages of a Christian education for youth of both sexes, especially those found worthy, but who are without sufficient means to procure such training."