North Central College vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central College in Naperville, IL with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Central College is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (3,003 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; Stephens College 8:1.

North Central College vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College 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 Stephens College than North Central College ($23,194 vs. $23,276).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephens College are 9% lower than at North Central College ($13,366 vs. $14,688).
• North Central College is 61.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $17,426 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.6% higher at North Central College than at Stephens College (about $17,426 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at North Central College as at Stephens College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central College students is 45.9% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($34,056 vs. $23,341).

North Central College vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central College 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 North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 20 points higher than at North Central College (1180).
• Incoming North Central College students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027; Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman North Central College students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• North Central College has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Stephens College (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

North Central College vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College 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).

• North Central College's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from North Central College earn a median of about $11,500 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Central College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, North Central College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More North Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.