Principia College vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Stephens College is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (568 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Stephens College 8:1.

Principia College vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia 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 Principia College than Stephens College ($18,248 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephens College are 3.9% lower than at Principia College ($13,366 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 22.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $6,380 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.5% higher at Principia College than at Stephens College (about $6,380 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at Principia College (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 30.3% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($30,402 vs. $23,341).

Principia College vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia 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 Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 50 points higher than at Principia College (1150).
• Incoming Principia College 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: Principia College 1040/1250; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Principia College students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at Stephens College (3.27).

Principia College vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia 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).

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.