Working for your tuition is a plus.  The job you get though can be widely varied.  Usually, you will get a rotton job your first semester/year.  Then you can transfer to somewhere better.  I was at the Keeter Ctr.  the first year it opened- not fun.  The key point is that you must survive your first semester.  Once you do that, things generally get better.

Academically, the school can be a mixed bag.  History was usually solid, but we were rumored to be one of the hardest depts.  on campus... I don't think many depts.  prepare their students well for grad school- most students go immediately to the job market.  I was hit hard when I came to graduate school although I've survived. 

Most of the teachers are great- they care about you.  Many of the upper-level classes are small.  As of late, the school seems to be promoting their conservative ideology over educational quality (and I am a conservative as well)-something that could be troublesome in later years.  In particular, writing assignments seem to be weak in some courses.  History, English, Religion are good departments in the humanities.  Business isn't bad either. 

Unfortunately, the good remarks about the teachers cannot be said of the administration.  They are frequently aloof, high-handed, and generally don't relate well to students- the notable exception being Larson, and other new Deans have come in (I can't comment on them).  That said, if you're on their good side and in the right organization, they will pay for some nice trips. 

Some of the rules are petty (I was never in trouble), but overall, their manageable.  Dorm housing is rather poor and food is not that special either.  The school has a huge endowment but often finds other uses for the money (Keeter Ctr) than improving student facilities.  Jones is a mess (try having class on an August evening on 3rd flr) and other buildings suffer as well.  The library (where I worked) is sadly seriously underfunded and lacks many powerful electronic database resources; a new facility is also needed.  The librarians though are most helpful and more students should venture over. 

Character Camp (orientation) is good for meeting other people, but I am a more serious person and didn't really enjoy it. 

Chapel is required.  Even though I agree theologically with the services, I don't support the mandatory requirement.  This is just one of those requirements you have to live with (seniors don't have to attend). 

Overall, I'd recommend the school, but in order to get a superior education you must take the initiative to get what you need.  The school will not provide it.  The work program can give useful job experience.  Despite their claims, CofO is only well known in the area.  If you go outside the midwest, few people know of them.