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Stephens College

Columbia, MO·Private nonprofit·353 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 353 students.

92%
Accept
353
Students
$23,277
Net Price
47%
Grad Rate
$41,000
Earnings
10 yr
$19,489
Debt

About This School

Stephens College is a private nonprofit institution located in Columbia, Missouri with approximately 353 undergraduate students enrolled. Stephens College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 92%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,277 per year. The graduation rate is 47%, and the typical graduate earns $41,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Stephens College is a private women's college in Columbia, Missouri, United States. It is the second-oldest women's educational establishment that is still a women's college in the United States. It was founded on August 24, 1833, as the Columbia Female Academy.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 47% graduation rate means fewer than half of students who start actually finish, and that's a real concern worth discussing before enrolling. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively modest $19,489, and the intimate environment of just 353 undergrads suits students who genuinely thrive with close faculty attention. Worth considering if you're drawn to Stephens' specific programs — particularly fashion and theater — but go in with a plan to stay enrolled, because the retention and graduation data suggest many students don't.

Founded
1833
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts27%
Health Professions20%
Psychology9%
Biological Sciences8%
Education7%
Business & Marketing6%
English2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Elizabeth MitchellJennifer TillyStephanie BeatrizAnnie PottsJeane KirkpatrickDawn WellsWally FunkSusan FlanneryAnne GwynnePatricia BarryLee PurcellShirley Clarke

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1104
Reading 75th %ile650
Math 75th %ile620

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$28,200
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,200
Avg Net Price
$23,277
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants42%
Median debt at graduation$19,489

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
47%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
71%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,489
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,489
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.1x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White57%
Black10%
Hispanic/Latino1%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (353 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Stephens College

1200 E Broadway

Columbia, MO 65215

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Missouri

Browse all Missouri schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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