Northwest vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

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

Northwest Missouri State University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (9,152 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Missouri State University is located in Maryville, MO (Remote Town setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Northwest Missouri State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Missouri State University 16:1; Stephens College 8:1.

Northwest vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwest 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 Northwest Missouri State University than Stephens College ($16,790 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Missouri State University are 8.1% lower than at Stephens College ($12,282 vs. $13,366).
• Stephens College is 166.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwest (about $17,689 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $10,611.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.4% higher at Stephens College than at Northwest Missouri State University (about $10,976 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $17,324.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at Northwest Missouri State University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephens College students is 156.5% larger than aid received by Northwest Missouri State University students ($23,341 vs. $9,101).

Northwest vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwest 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 Northwest.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 120 points higher than at Northwest (1080).
• Incoming Northwest students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Missouri State University 976/1193; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Missouri State University 19/24; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwest - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Northwest students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Northwest has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Stephens College (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Northwest vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

Northwest vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwest 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 Northwest Missouri State University's (49%).
• Graduates from Northwest Missouri State University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest Missouri State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwest graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Stephens College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.