Lewis University vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare Lewis University in Romeoville, IL with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lewis University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (7,011 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lewis University is located in Romeoville, IL (Large Suburban setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Lewis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lewis University 13:1; Stephens College 8:1.

Lewis University vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lewis University or Stephens College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Lewis University than Stephens College ($18,959 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lewis University are 9.2% lower than at Stephens College ($12,140 vs. $13,366).
• Lewis University is 38.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $10,900 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.5% higher at Lewis University than at Stephens College (about $10,900 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lewis University as at Stephens College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis University students is 23% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($28,717 vs. $23,341).

Lewis University vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lewis University or Stephens College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Stephens College and Lewis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 110 points higher than at Lewis University (1090).
• Incoming Lewis University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis University 960/1210; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis University 20/27; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lewis University - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Lewis University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Lewis University (71.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Lewis University vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

Lewis University vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lewis University and Stephens College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Lewis University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from Lewis University earn a median of about $14,100 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,500 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lewis University graduates have a $2,375 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($24,625 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lewis University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($254 vs. $279).
• More Lewis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.