Lindenwood University vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, MO with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lindenwood University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (6,826 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lindenwood University is located in Saint Charles, MO (Small City setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Lindenwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lindenwood University 14:1; Stephens College 8:1.

Lindenwood University vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lindenwood 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 Lindenwood University than Stephens College ($20,901 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lindenwood University are 12.5% lower than at Stephens College ($11,700 vs. $13,366).
• Stephens College is 31% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lindenwood University (about $6,700 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $21,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31% higher at Stephens College than at Lindenwood University (about $6,700 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $21,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at Lindenwood University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephens College students is 59.6% larger than aid received by Lindenwood University students ($23,341 vs. $14,626).

Lindenwood University vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lindenwood 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 Lindenwood University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 70 points higher than at Lindenwood University (1130).
• Incoming Lindenwood University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lindenwood University 1023/1230; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lindenwood University 21/27; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lindenwood University - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Lindenwood University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Lindenwood University (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at Lindenwood University vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

Lindenwood University vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lindenwood 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).

• Stephens College's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Lindenwood University's (45%).
• Graduates from Lindenwood University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,100 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stephens College and Lindenwood University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Stephens College and Lindenwood University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Stephens College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lindenwood University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 58%)

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.