College of the Ozarks

At the College of the Ozarks, students can choose whether to pay big dollars or work long hours. The college charges no tuition for full-time students who agree to also work. The work-study program at the college 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 refers to itself as “Hard Work U” and places an emphasis on “character” education.

All of that being said, for those who don’t feel like they can give up that kind of time to working, tuition costs are not for the faint of heart. Tuition costs over $28,000 a year, and the return on investment is low—just -$20,600 after 20 years. So you’ll probably want to pass on this small liberal arts college in Point Lookout, Missouri.