Missouri Southern vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Missouri Southern State University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (4,147 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Missouri Southern State University is located in Joplin, MO (Small City setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Missouri Southern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Missouri Southern State University 15:1; Stephens College 8:1.

Missouri Southern vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Missouri Southern 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 Missouri Southern State University than Stephens College ($11,626 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Missouri Southern State University are 31.8% lower than at Stephens College ($9,119 vs. $13,366).
• Stephens College is 215.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Missouri Southern (about $19,340 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $8,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.7% higher at Stephens College than at Missouri Southern State University (about $11,220 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $17,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at Missouri Southern State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephens College students is 207.2% larger than aid received by Missouri Southern State University students ($23,341 vs. $7,597).

Missouri Southern vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Missouri Southern 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 Missouri Southern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Missouri Southern State University (1290) is 90 points higher than at Stephens College (1200).
• Incoming Missouri Southern students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Missouri Southern State University 1150/1420; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Missouri Southern State University 17/24; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Missouri Southern - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Missouri Southern students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Missouri Southern has a higher acceptance rate (97%) than Stephens College (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.5% at Missouri Southern vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

Missouri Southern vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Missouri Southern 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 Missouri Southern State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Stephens College earn a median of about $800 more per year than Missouri Southern graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $36,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Missouri Southern State University graduates have a $6,169 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($20,831 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Missouri Southern graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($215 vs. $279).
• More Stephens College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Missouri Southern students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 53%)

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.