Ozarka College, initially known as Ozarka Vocational-Technical School, was established in 1975 to provide vocational training to residents of Fulton, Izard, Sharp, and Stone Counties. The institution’s first class of 43 students graduated in July 1976, with degrees in Automotive Service, Food Service, Business Education, Building Trades, Industrial Equipment Technology, Licensed Practical Nursing, and Major Appliance Service. Additionally, classes leading to GED certificates were offered.

Over the years, Ozarka has grown significantly and now enrolls approximately 1,600 students per semester. This expansion resulted from a significant extension of the institution’s mission. In 1991, the Arkansas State Legislature passed ACT 1244, transforming Ozarka and several other vocational-technical schools into technical colleges. As a result, Ozarka began offering courses for college transfer credit through articulation agreements with other state colleges and universities.

A pivotal partnership with Arkansas State University facilitated the development of college transfer coursework. In August 1993, Ozarka Technical College became a candidate for accreditation. By 1996, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools determined that Ozarka had met all the requirements for accreditation.

Reflecting its broadened mission and range of programs, the institution changed its name to Ozarka College in 1999, dropping the "Technical" to emphasize its diverse degree offerings.

Today, Ozarka has established transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities across the state, enabling students in the Associate of Arts program to transfer seamlessly. The college has also expanded its services and programs to additional locations in the region. In addition to its main campus in Melbourne, Ozarka operates off-campus sites in Ash Flat and Mountain View, as well as partnerships with local high schools. Moreover, the college offers distance education classes via the Internet, providing students with greater flexibility in scheduling their coursework.