Stephens College
The Vibe Check
Stephens College feels like a tight-knit creative conservatory tucked into the heart of a bustling college town. With a tiny student body, you'll know your classmates and professors by name, and the campus hums with an intimate, arts-focused energy. It's a supportive, hands-on environment where personal attention is the norm.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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Academics & Majors
Stephens is renowned for its Conservatory for the Performing Arts and strong programs in health professions, psychology, and education. Class sizes are small, fostering direct mentorship from faculty who are often working professionals in their fields. While research opportunities exist, particularly in the sciences, the academic experience is more defined by hands-on, practical application than by large-scale research labs.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Columbia
Columbia is a vibrant college town anchored by the University of Missouri, offering a lively downtown with eclectic restaurants, coffee shops, and local music venues. Students enjoy the nearby Katy Trail for outdoor activities, frequent local festivals, and a bustling arts scene. The presence of another large university means there's always something happening, from sports events to concerts and diverse dining options.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($43,071):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
Stephens College has its own campus security team and is situated in a well-lit, urban area of Columbia that is generally considered safe. Columbia is a typical Midwestern college town with a relatively low crime rate, though standard urban precautions are always recommended for students.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Extremely small class sizes and a close-knit community ensure personalized attention from professors.
- ✓ Renowned Conservatory for the Performing Arts offers exceptional training for aspiring artists.
- ✓ Same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students provides cost predictability.
- ✓ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for a private college.
Cons
- ✗ The 46% graduation rate is significantly below the national average, which is a major concern for student success.
- ✗ The 71% retention rate suggests a notable portion of students do not return for their sophomore year.
- ✗ With only 353 students, the campus social scene and extracurricular options are extremely limited.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Stephens College is best known for its Conservatory for the Performing Arts, which has a strong reputation for training actors, dancers, and theatre professionals. It also has historically been recognized as one of the oldest women's colleges in the nation, now operating as a co-educational institution. Additional notable programs include Health Professions, Psychology, and Education, all of which benefit from the college's intensely small, hands-on learning environment.
No, Stephens College is not hard to get into. It has a very high acceptance rate of 91.55%, making it an accessible option for a wide range of applicants. While the average SAT score is around 1104, the admissions process is holistic, and the high acceptance rate means that many students who meet the academic profile are offered admission. The focus is more on finding students who are a good fit for its specialized, intimate academic programs.
Campus life at Stephens is defined by its exceptionally small size and intimate community. With only about 353 students, you will quickly know nearly everyone on campus, fostering a strong sense of belonging and collaboration. Life is heavily centered around the arts and close-knit academic programs, with a quieter social scene compared to larger universities. Students often engage in creative projects, theatrical productions, and deep friendships within this small urban campus setting.
The value of a Stephens College degree depends heavily on the student's major and career goals. For students pursuing the performing arts or certain health professions, the personalized training and mentorship can provide a strong foundation that may be worth the investment. However, with a 10-year median earnings of $43,071 and a low graduation rate, the return on investment is a significant consideration. Prospective students should carefully evaluate their intended field and weigh the high-touch educational model against the cost and potential earning outcomes.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 469
- In-State Tuition $28,200
- Zip Code 65215
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $23,277, Stephens is less expensive than many private institutions but still a significant investment. The 10-year median earnings of $43,071 are modest, so the return on investment is strongest for students who leverage the college's strengths in high-demand fields like health professions or education. Given that tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, its financial value is most compelling for those seeking a specialized, intimate private college experience at a relatively contained cost.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.